Blog for Equality

School clubs bill not supported by Boards, Local County

2006-01-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

""It's another example of one-size-fits-all," Columbia County School Board member Regina Buccafusco said. "When the state gets involved in one-size-fits-all, it usually gets in the way of instruction.""

Bills bashed for affecting clubs Augusta Chronicle

"What makes me concerned is when the legislators see a need like that in a small area and then aim to make it right for everybody in the state," Mrs. Buccafusco said. "I don't think everything is a one-size-fits-all, and we should be allowed at our local level to do what's right for our county."

Anti-LGBT-Family Legislation Heats Up as Georgia Legislators Prepare to Return to the Gold Dome

2005-12-28T10:20:00.000-08:00

"Fresh off a failed try to tank the state's new constitutional ban on same-sex marriages, gay rights advocates are bracing for proposals that could limit their ability to adopt children and discourage students from joining gay-friendly clubs."

and

"Gay advocates aren't encouraged by Gov. Sonny Perdue's recent appointment of Mary Dean Harvey to head the state's Division of Family and Children Services. In a similar role in Nebraska, Ms. Harvey issued a directive barring foster children from being placed with homosexuals or unmarried couples."

Read the full article from the Augusta Chronicle...(registration required)

Tony Blair's Op Ed on Civil Partnership Act

2005-12-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

The Independent, UK, December 21, 2005
http://comment.independent.co.uk/commentators/article334427.ece

Why we should all share in these celebrations
Much of the opposition to equal rights for gays was downright spiteful
Tony Blair

Across the country this week, hundreds of couples will be celebrating a
major milestone in their lives. They will be followed by thousands more
in the coming months as same sex couples take the opportunity to gain
legal recognition and protection for their relationship.

The Civil Partnership Act may not be the biggest change that this
Government has brought in. But, by correcting an obvious injustice,
removing fear and providing security, it will change the lives of tens
of thousands of people for the better. It is also, importantly, another
step towards the fairer, more tolerant country which this Labour
Government pledged to build.

This landmark measure ends the situation where same-sex relationships
were invisible in the eyes of the law, denied any recognition of their
commitment. It gives gay and lesbian couples who register their
relationship the same safeguards over inheritance, insurance and
employment and pension benefits as married couples. No longer will same
sex couples who have decided to share their lives fear they will be
denied a say over the partner's medical treatment or find themselves
denied a home if their partner dies.

As you would expect from this New Labour Government, new rights and
privileges are also matched by new responsibilities. Financial support
will be expected to be provided for the couple's children, for example,
in the event of a breakdown in the relationship.

Such a wide-ranging reform was long overdue. By 1997, society's
attitudes to lesbian, gay and bisexual people had changed dramatically.
There is, as we have seen already this week, still some opposition to
these measures. But I don't believe these views reflect the opinions of
the overwhelming majority of people in our country.

Past hostility and suspicions have been replaced with tolerance and
understanding. Our laws and political culture, however, had simply not
kept pace with these changes. So when we came to power, Britain still
had an unequal age of consent and it was lawful to discriminate on the
grounds of sexual orientation, religion and age.

It was something I was determined to help tackle. I was struck when I
listened in the Commons to debates on the age of consent and other
issues like this just how much of the opposition was based on prejudice
which was very old-fashioned and, at times, downright spiteful. It
seemed to me that a Labour Government committed to equality must take
action.

In the last eight years, we have seen steady and, at times, remarkable
progress. The age of consent for gay men has been equalized. Section 28,
a law of which a great many Tory MPs were rightly ashamed but which they
still put in place, has been repealed. Anti-gay discrimination in the
workplace has been outlawed as it will soon be, we intend, in the
provision of goods and services. From 1 January, gay and lesbian couples
will be able to adopt children jointly for the first time.

I am proud it was this Labour Government that has brought in these
modernizing and fair measures - and I can't imagine that any government
will reverse them. I wouldn't pretend for a moment that MPs from other
parties did not campaign for these changes. But I am convinced that we
would not have come so far or so fast without the election of a Labour
government determined to turn its words on an equal, opportunity society
into action.

For the Civil Partnership Act helps highlight again this Government's
determination to create a more modern, open, fairer and democratic
country.

It's a commitment which can be seen in a wide array of measures, not all
of which Independent readers may welcome as much as this Act. So along
with the Freedom of Information Act, improved rights for parents at
work, devolution for Scotland and Wales, better public services, and the
creation of the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights, we have
also seen new powers - with more to come - to tackle the antisocial
behavior that still blights too many communities. All are part of our
central mission to provide security and opportunity for all.

They are having an impact. Britain is, in many different ways, a more
modern, fairer and better place to live than it was. One of the greatest
delights about London's winning bid for the 2012 Olympics was that the
decision by the IOC was based, in no small part, on their recognition of
the dynamism, strength, tolerance and diversity of our society.

There is, of course, no room for complacency. There is still too much
injustice, discrimination and unfairness. But in ceremonies up and down
the country this week, we can also see that, as a society and country,
we continue to move in the right direction. That's a good enough reason
for us all to celebrate.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Samiya Bashir
Communications Director
Freedom to Marry
Tel: 212.851.8418 x6
Fax: 646.375.2069
Mobile: 917-617-8660
Web: www.freedomtomarry.org http://www.freedomtomarry.org/

Spain's Prime Minister: Jose Zapatero names PlanetOut's Person of the Year

2005-12-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

"After becoming Spain's leader in April 2004, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero got to work fulfilling campaign promises -- a major one being marriage rights for same-sex couples. Unlike other leaders who forget their pledges, Zapatero delivered in a big way. Fourteen months later, Spain became the third country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry. "

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero Planet Out

No surprise, Bush is named Villain of the Year

Jay Bookman Makes Solid Points on how Marriage Is Being Used As An Electoral Get-Out-The-Vote Ploy by the GOP

2005-12-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

A cynical person might look at that evidence and suggest that maybe the gay-marriage controversy was never real in the first place. Maybe it was just a product, like soap or toilet paper, that was manufactured by politicians and then sold by certain media outlets and interest groups. Maybe those politicians never had any intention of trying to pass such an amendment and were merely playing their supporters for fools.

Read the full article by clicking below:

Remember gay marriage? AJC

Local Georgian, Kerry Pacer, Makes National Cover

2005-12-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

"Lesbian teenager Kerry Pacer demanded to be treated fairly at her rural high school in northeast Georgia. She never imagined it would change her entire town—or inspire a nation"

Continue reading Kerry's courage...

Even South Africa Can Grant Marriage Equality

2005-12-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

"South Africa's Constitutional Court extended equal rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples and their families today in a decision that will allow same-sex couples the freedom to marry in the next year. All 11 justices on the court ruled for marriage equality, with one justice advocating that the ruling go into effect immediately. "

Read the story from the BBS newswire here...

Marriage Expanding in Massachusettes

2005-11-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

"On the second anniversary of marriage equality in Massachusetts, it seems an appropriate moment to salute Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the seven plaintiff couples who sacrificed their privacy in the name of equality, as well as MassEquality, the coalition that has preserved marriage after continuous attacks from the far right.
Since Nov. 18, 2003 when the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that loving gay and lesbian couples could not be excluded from the protections of marriage, so much has changed. In Massachusetts, nearly 6,500 couples have married since it became legal on May 17, 2004, and the national debate about equality for our families shifted on its axis. "

Continue Reading 6,500 Gay Marriages in Massachusetts and Counting

Massachusettes Bigots Can't Let Go, Stoop To New Lows

2005-11-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

FITCHBURG -- Several planes will circle the city and the state today, towing banners with an unusual message: Support the efforts against gay marriage.
State Rep. Emile Goguen -- who has filed a bill to remove the Supreme Judicial Court justices who legalized gay marriage -- said the effort is not his doing.
"There's a few dozen people in the Legislature that have approached me and tried to convince me to keep my mouth shut," Goguen said. "But I want to see my bill addressed. If it's defeated I'll re-submit it the next time, and continue filing and re-filing."
Read Here...

Maine Delivers 55% Vote in Favor of Protections for LGBT Families

2005-11-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Sweet Victory: Maine Voters Deny Discrimination Bill | Yahoo News

"For gay rights activists, the victory has been a long time coming. The first gay rights bill in Maine was introduced in the state legislature 28 years ago; and in 1998 and 2000, voters struck down similar measures that would have banned discrimination against gays and lesbians. The movement to defeat the measure was led by Maine Won't Discriminate, a coalition composed of grassroots progressive groups, the Democratic Party, union members, and local business associations. "On Tuesday, we ended a 28-year struggle in Maine to make sure all Mainers are treated equally and fairly under the law. We are so thrilled that it's finally happened," said Jesse Connolly of Maine Won't Discriminate. "

Will LGBT Issues Play Big in the Georgia 2006 Elections?

2005-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

"This year, issues involving gays and lesbians are expected to once again play a prominent role in the General Assembly. State legislation requiring students to get parental permission before signing up for most extracurricular activities - widely seen as something aimed at clubs that encourage friendships between gay and straight students - almost certainly will get a hearing when the legislature reconvenes in January.
And some gay-rights advocates are worried that this sessions also will see a proposal banning adoption by gays and lesbians. They are mobilizing to try to beat back measures that supporters call "pro-family" and opponents call "anti-gay" that have passed the legislature by strong margins."

Continue reading Gay issues could again arise in '06

Ah-nold Suffers Major Defeats at the Polls

2005-11-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Equality California's Strategy of "No on All" appears to have worked

"In a stinging rebuke from voters who elected him two years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's efforts to reshape state government were rejected during a special election that darkened his prospects for a second term. The Republican governor and former Hollywood actor, who likes to say he can sell anything, on Tuesday saw all four of his signature ballot proposals rejected."

Continue reading here...

Major Victory in Maine!

2005-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Maine Voters rejected a conservative drive to overturn the state's anti-discrimination ordinance that included sexual orientation.

By a vote of 55% to 45%.

Fauver Changing Tune? Or Just More Campaign Promises?

2005-11-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

Lesbian incumbent, gay male challenger ensure gay presence on Council Sovo

"Fauver first told Southern Voice she never knew about the letter until after it appeared in the paper, but then later said she remembered she received it too late to meet the AJC’s deadline.
But gay activist Allen Thornell, who served as executive director of Georgia Equality at the time, said Fauver actually helped edit the letter and kept it from being published sooner.
“She was the hold up because she wanted to change parts of it. She was never comfortable with the language,” Thornell, who now supports Brodie’s campaign, said at the time."

Florida Gay Adoption Ban Under Fire

2005-11-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Gay-adoption supporters meet to map strategy Orlando Sentinel

"Opponents of Florida's ban on gay adoptions met Saturday at an Orlando church to discuss strategy for changing a law they consider unjust to children and to many adults who want to be their parents.About a dozen members of the Orlando Coalition for Fair Adoption outlined plans to meet with state lawmakers and visit Tallahassee in support of legislation that would let judges allow homosexuals to adopt children on a case-by-case basis. The bill has been introduced in the Florida House and Senate."

Click the link above to read the full story

Hope In Missouri for Restoration of Adoption Rights

2005-11-03T22:44:00.000-08:00

Missouri Gay Adoption Ban Challenged

"Under Missouri law, every potential foster parent is already required to undergo strict screening before being qualified as foster parents. Ironically, the couple is far more qualified than most foster care applicants, said the ACLU."

"All we want is the chance to open our home and our hearts to a child," said Johnston. "When we learned that we'd never be given that chance because we're lesbians, we were heartbroken."
Johnson and Roginski are supported by the American Medical Association, the Child Welfare League of America, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association and the North American Council on Adoptable Children."

Merlot Winters' review of the movie "Transamerica"

2005-11-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Last Week, I had the privilege of attending a press screening of the new film "Transamerica" written and directed by Duncan Tucker and produced by the Weinstein Company as one of the first productions of this new studio. The following is from the press release for the film:

"Bree (Felicity Huffman) is a highly educated, conservative, transsexual woman who passes as a G.G. (a genetic girl), living in a poor section of Los Angeles and working two jobs to save money for her final sexual reassignment surgery. When she receives a phone call from Toby (Kevin Zegers), a jailed teenage runaway looking for his father, she's shocked to discover that a heterosexual encounter during her life as a man resulted in a son. Bree wants no part of Toby, but her therapist insists she must confront her past, and withholds legal permission for Bree's final operation until she has met the boy.

Bree grudgingly dips into her precious operation fund and flies to New York to bail Toby out of jail. Released to her without explanation, Toby assumes from Bree's conservative appearance that she's a Christian missionary who rescues street people and converts them to Jesus. Not ready for parenthood, Bree seizes her chance and encourages Toby's misconception. When she learns that the rebellious, disheveled Toby intends to skip bail and hitchhike to L.A. to break into X-rated videos and search for his real father, Bree panics. She doesn't want him to interfere with her plans for a safe, quiet new life. She offers him a ride cross-country, secretly plotting to abandon him with the stepfather he ran away from.

As each lies to and manipulates the other, Bree and Toby find themselves on an unexpected and transformative journey – TRANSAMERICA. "

As a major Hollywood treatment of a transgender subject, the film is surprisingly sensitive and well-informed on the transgender experience as it simultaneously deals in stereotypes to which mainstream audiences can easily relate. For an MtF transexual such as myself, this came to be refreshing at the same time that it was terribly frustrating to watch. Make no mistake, girls and boys, this one can be very painful to watch in a crowded theater. Overall, however, this will be a valuable addition to the film canon on the subject and at its heart is one of those in a long line of American, on-the-road films that have been a periodic staple since Keroac first mined its literary potential back in the '50's.

The film begins with one of those moments that are so true that it makes you squirm – Bree practicing her voice technique in front of a mirror. In fact, this film is very hip to our obsession with our body image, and there is plenty of mirror-checking to be witnessed. What follows is an unprecedented amount of clinical detail of the transexual experience for such a major release. At one point in the film, we see a transgender support group in Dallas where post-operative surgical stents are displayed and commented upon. But for all the clinical accuracy on display, another major plot point, the therapists denial of a letter to Bree's surgeon certifying her fitness thereof on the eve of surgery (two weeks), seems a bit implausible to someone who has had the experience of not being able to schedule SRS until the surgeon receives letters from two psychotherapists certifying fitness for surgery. Also, her SRS appears to take place in Los Angeles, where to my knowledge there are no well known surgeons doing this procedure (though I very well may be wrong). Of course, Hollywood has never let such details get in the way of good storytelling, and one may forgive them these liberties.

One stereotype that the film uses as a major support of its plot is the common perception by the psychoanalytic community that transsexuals seeking sex-reassignment surgery at all costs are inherently deceptive and actively try to disguise or completely bury their past. Hence Bree's denial at crucial points in the film of both her paternity of Toby and her very transexuality. For example, the duo, on the way from New York to Los Angeles, stops at a friend of Bree's, Mary Ellen's, who appears to be a very passable and well-adjusted transwoman. This is a good illustration of the kinds of cross-country networks that are common in the trans community. Unfortunately for Bree, her friend happens to be hosting at that very moment a transgender support group in her living room. Bree, not having told Toby of her paternity and not having disclosed to him her transexual status, is predictably ill at ease. The kicker, though, is at a private moment with Toby in another room, she apologizes to him for exposing him to "those ersatz women".

At the same party, the full range of transgender identity is on display. Especially notable is the FtM who discusses transgenderism as a spiritual gift and utters the spooky admonition that "we walk among you". Too bad he only got a minute or so in a film that seeks to celebrate the transgender experience at the same time it milks the meme for shock value. In fact, one scene involves full frontal nudity and display of male genitals. Unfortunately, they belong to Bree, who having to stop on the side of the road to pee is not content to remain in the squatting position but chooses instead to reveal her full glory to passing motorists and Toby himself, who is of course shocked and revolted at the sight in the rearview mirror.

Thereafter Bree is subjected to the punishing consequences of her deceptions, which she must exorcise before she is allowed to arrive in Los Angeles for her SRS. The journey is not easy. At one point they pick up a hitchhiker, a very androgynous and beautiful blond young hippy whom, when Toby reveals to him that Bree has a penis, takes it very nonchalantly, saying in his opinion that transexuality is a "radical evolution in the human species" or some such. He also identifies himself as a "Peyote Shaman". I am wholly convinced that in other hands this character could have been a major boon in exploration of the archetype of the divine androgyne and spirit-worker, and could have taken the picture into truly sublime and transcendental territory. Instead, he winds of stealing Bree's car, leaving the duo destitute and lost.

This is especially frustrating as it nullifies any empathy his words may have inspired in the audience. Also, considering the picture's tackling of religious issues (Bree's masquerade as a Christian social worker, the discussions about the two-spirit nature of transgenderism as a spiritual gift ), it is a profound missed opportunity. This is only aggravated when Bree and Toby find themselves in the good graces of a Navajo who gives them shelter and a ride and upon whom Bree develops a crush. Not only did this movie fail to connect the traditions of ecstatic spirituality associated with the transgender experience (ancient Gallae, the Hijra of India, Native American Two-Spirits/Nadle/Winkte) but it waves it in our face only to yank it back at just the moment a profound connection could have been made. Bree and Toby are left by the Navajo gentleman, who serves merely to highlight Bree's dawning feminine sexuality, rather than connect the dots of the timeless and sacred archetype of the divine androgyne.

Despite all of this, the picture is redeemed somewhat by the treatment of Bree at the hands of her family, whom she has (per her deceptive nature) not informed of her transition, only to wind up on their doorstep with their grandson whom they are fiercely warned by Bree not to discuss his paternity. So not only has Bree not been forthright with her family, but she actively enlists them to continue her deception. Is this a metaphor for the stealth experience- the view that transsexuals are mentally ill individuals who not only deceive themselves but who try to recruit well-meaning others to maintain their deception?

In any case, her family, despite initial misgivings and a hilarious restaurant scene that may cause more of those squirmy moments, come through in the end and are fully supportive of Bree and her transition, even to the extent of loaning her money to get back to Los Angeles in time to get her surgery. In deed, Bree's sister, Sabrina, living at home after completing a stint at drug rehab, thanks Bree for her "taking some of the heat off me". The movie also for a brief moment looks at the broader picture of masculine and feminine construction in our society and its intersection with pharmacology and plastic surgery – Bree, having lost her hormones to the divinely androgynous grifter, is allowed to borrow her mother's hormones to avoid the worst effects of induced menopause, commenting upon her mother's Hormone Replacement Therapy thus: "hormones are hormones – ours happen to come in purple little pills".

In deed, one of the redeeming qualities of the movie is how the transgender experience can liberate others by its mere existence. Not only does Bree's sister benefit from this, but Toby, having been released to Bree, finds his space to be queer, probably assuredly gay, as he turns tricks at truck stops, becomes a male porn actor, and dies his hair to give a decidedly androgynous Kurt Cobain like appearance by the end of the movie. As for Bree, she wakes up from SRS feeling "like a medieval heretic impaled on a large spike" and engaging in a heart-wrenching release of emotion with her therapist. Plenty to relate to, there. Despite all of the squirmy moments such as when Bree temporarily resorts to male mannerisms and gives us the he/she standing at a urinal treatment, the reason we find ourselves squirming may be because they hit too close to home to be comfortable. This, in my opinion, is progress.

Out, out damn celebs!

2005-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

I posted the link and an excerpt from a new Washington Blade article below. But I'm curious whether readers of this blog believe that having celebrities come out would further GLBT rights or not, what do you think?

From Anderson Cooper to Jodie Foster, it’s time for the rich and famous to stop playing games and start answering ‘the question.’ Washington Blade

"When rich, famous, wildly successful Americans refuse to acknowledge their sexual orientation, they contribute to keeping us at the margins of society and send a message that homosexuality is somehow shameful.
There is nothing more ridiculous than a public figure refusing to reveal whether he or she is straight — no heterosexual person would deny being straight. "

Florida Democrats Courting Gay Voters

2005-10-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

The Miami Herald LESLEY CLARK

With their strongest advocate no longer running, South Florida's small but powerful gay community is assessing which Democratic gubernatorial candidate will best stand up for their cause.

Marriage Equality Within Reach in Washington State?

2005-10-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Just Say No to Civil Union Evan Wolfson

Washington State’s official state motto is “al-ki,” Chinook for “by and by.” But those of us, gay and non-gay, who want to see the state end discrimination against same-sex couples and their kids can’t wait for the by and by. We have work to do now—in our own community, among allies and friends, with our fellow citizens, and with our elected officials, particularly state legislators.

Virginia Governor's Race Gets Gayer and Gayer

2005-10-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Justice Is Served Up Hot (and Gay) in the Virginia Governor’s Race

"Apparently Kilgore’s voice is so stereotypically gay-sounding that this rumor is not being dispelled even by his website’s proud boast that he is vehemently opposed to both gay unions and gay adoption. Presumably Kilgore feels that if a gay man wants to have children, he should marry a beard and squeeze out a couple of drops under duress."

Millions More March goes a little Bizarre

2005-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Defender

According to Boykin an upset Wilson would begin to do and say "bizarre" things.
"[Wilson] had a copy of a book entitled the Joy of Gay Sex that somebody apparently sent to him to harass him or something. He threw it on the table and started yelling and screaming .I told him that I have never seen the book and that I don't have anything to do with this. He had sleeping pills that he said the young girls were being forced to take. [The pills] were making them lesbians. He pulled out this thong, this candy thong and threw it on the table and said they made [the girls] lick this, lick the candy off the thong," Boykin said.

Wilson was in a whirlwind of controversy when he made comments about the gay community during one of his sermons entitled "You've Got To Fight to Be Free" at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast D.C.

Equality California Goes On the offensive Against Ah-Nold

2005-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Equality California to oppose all five Schwarzenegger-backed measures on November ballot

California’s most prominent gay rights group is telling Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that it’s payback time for his veto last month of a bill that would have granted marriage rights to same-sex couples. Equality California is taking aim at five ballot proposals the Republican governor is backing in a special election scheduled for November 8.

Texas Airing Ads Against Marriage Amendment

2005-10-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

Civilright.org

Bold New Ads Aired to Oppose Texas Anti-Marriage Amendment

Houston Same-Sex Couples and Families Speak From the Heart About Why Marriage Matters

The seven television spots, which begin airing today, feature several Houston gay and lesbian families talking about their love and the need for, and importance of, marriage equality. While there have been many television ads opposing state anti-marriage constitutional amendments over the last few years, this new series is the first time same-sex couples have spoken directly about why marriage matters.

Attitudes on the Change in California?

2005-10-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

It will be interesting to continue to follow the news stories out of California. so far, it would appear that the Governor is experiencing more fire than praise on his veto of the marriage equality bill.

Assemblyman Leno Responds To Governor's Veto Of Marriage Equality Bill

Jason West takes on the Governator

Schwarzenegger vetoes same-sex marriage bill

Campus groups organize to deal with problems at state, community levels

2005-09-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Second-year political science student Gabe Rose, president of the Student Coalition for Marriage Equality, was present in the legislature at the time of the vote and helped to lobby lawmakers. Members of the club, along with other gay rights activists, are now trying to reach the governor's office and urge him to reconsider his announced intention to veto.

Continue reading here...

Some Politicians in Red States are starting to Make Sense

2005-09-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Was a little more proud of, this story, than most. Mainly because I know Atlanta native and longtime Creative Loafing columnist Kevin Griffiths is on the staff for the coordinated campaign effort in Virgina.

Gubernatorial candidate Kevin Kaine (Democrat) took on Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore on a live debate with both local and spanish-language television covering the event. Kaine slammed Kilgore on gays, school vouchers, immigration and a number of other issues. I hope his tenacity is catching with other politicians.

We Deserve Better

2005-09-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

I read Nancy Schaefer's homophobic hate-mongering words this morning and all I could do was laugh...and then applaud this lady! What a wonderful disciple she is for anyone who hates, discriminates, and hasn't a clue how to think and reason. You know, in truth, AJC's readers and Georgia's citizens deserve better--and with this lady's help, b'golly, we are certain to get just that!

Babs Bell Hajdusiewicz

Pay Attention: State Senator Nancy Schaefer wants to take our kids

2005-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

In today's AJC, State Sentator Nancy Schaefer had this to say about gay parents and adoption:

"There is no issue more paramount for a state than promoting the very best social structure for educating, socializing and preparing children to become productive citizens. The very best family structure possible is to place children in homes that have both mother and father.

There are those who argue that children are better off in a homosexual environment than to be left in the foster care system. However, it is not in the best interest of the children, nor of this country, to remove children from foster care and put them in a homosexual environment. Foster care is temporary. Adoption is permanent. The long-term consequences of homosexual adoption far outweigh any short-term relief of foster care. Studies show that most homosexual relationships are temporary and high-risk. Evidence indicates homosexual parents often fall far short of the mark of responsible and caring behavior.

Children tend to imitate their parents. They need male and female role models. Adoption laws, in the best interest of children, set forth broad-based social policies. To ban children being adopted by same-sex couples is solid policy. It is rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics and in our American history."

What business does this woman think she has telling us we aren't good parents?

State Senator Nancy Schaefer never had it so wrong when she speaks of the need to ban gay people from adopting. It is unbelievable this elected official would rather leave children in the foster care system than to place them in loving, stable homes. She clearly is not speaking to the best interest of children, and it is unfortunate she would put her political agenda above the interests of desperate children who need loving parents.

She bases her argument on the erroneous idea that gay relationships are short-lived and high risk, and she dares to say that gay parents fall short of the mark of responsible and caring behavior. Where is the evidence of such nonsensical remarks?

Schaefer clearly has never met a family with gay parents because if she had she would realize that most gay families are headed by "super parents" who go overboard with being the best possible parents. I invite Schaefer to visit my family, a home headed by two stable women who have been together for 9 years, and proud parents of a beautiful little girl who is loved and cared for more than any child alive. Senator Schaefer, don't you dare question our relationship, our love and parenting ability of our daughter, and that you know better than God who makes the best parents.

Sadie's New Target: Innocent Children

2005-09-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Georgia "Christian" Coalition leader, Sadie Fields, is at it again. This time, her target is innocent children who are up for adoption. Sadie would rather a child grow up without the love of a parent, than to be raised by someone who is gay. She would rather a child not have the love of a family, if that family was made up of two members of the same sex. Yes, this "Christian" is a role model that far too many people look up to. Sadie Fields told her own daughter that she was dead to her, after finding out her daughter was a lesbian. What happened to love sinner, Sadie? If she is worried that a gay person raising a child would result in that child "becoming" gay, how does she explain her own child's sexuality? Is there more to this story than we've been told?

In an AJC article published on 09/18/05, Sadie Fields said, "The Bible does address [homosexuality] as a sin." Is this the excuse she want to use to deprive children of a loving home? The Bible also states that eating pork and shellfish are sins. Can we expect Sadie's next crusade to be against Red Lobster or Sony's BBQ? Considering there are far more BBQ restaurants in this state than there are gay bars, she could be responsible for saving many more souls if she'd focus some of her rhetoric at them. While we're on the subject of "sins", if you've ever seen Sadie in public, you know that a sin she struggles with is vanity. Just take a look at her painted-on eyebrows and bright red lipstick in this 11/13/04 AJC article: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/1104/14fields.html

Sadie also said, "The whole atmosphere that surrounds homosexuality is outside the mainstream." It was once outside the mainstream for Black people and White people to sit down and eat together at the same establishment. Sometimes, the mainstream isn't exactly the "stream" you need to be in.

In another statement, Sadie said, "It is not conductive to a healthy upbringing." I think there are other factors that are less conductive to a healthy upbringing, rather than being raised by two loving parents of the same gender. Wouldn't murder or child abuse affect the development of a child more so than being raised by a same-sex couple?

Here's an example of a child who was raised by her mother and father: Angel Hope Herrera, a 3-year old girl from Miami. Her mother loved her so much, she killed her. Police reportedly found the child lying on her back in a diaper in the hallway outside the apartment. The child was reportedly unresponsive, with black and blue marks covering her abdomen, chest and legs. The child was airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center, where she was found to have a severe head injury and a broken arm. She was unable to breathe on her own, and was pronounced dead shortly after 1 PM. At least she wasn't being raised by a loving homosexual couple! You can read the news story by visiting this link:http://www.nbc6.net/news/3316511/detail.html

If that isn't a good enough example of the love that can only come from a "Traditional Marriage", how about this one: James McCarvill, a 4-year old boy who was on the receiving end of a shotgun blast from his mother, Patricia McCarvill. Thank God two lesbians weren't raising him! You can read that story by visiting this link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/gun/Story/0,2763,505510,00.html

Here is another story of the love that only a "Traditional" family could offer: Rofayda Qaoud, a 17-year old was killed by her mother after she refused to commit suicide to restore the family's "honor". Her mother, Amira, bought a razor with which to slit her wrists. Armed with a plastic bag, razor and wooden stick, Amira entered her sleeping daughter's room last Jan. 27. "Tonight you die, Rofayda," she told the girl, before wrapping the bag tightly around her head. Next, Qaoud sliced Rofayda's wrists, ignoring her muffled pleas of "No, mother, no!" After her daughter went limp, Qaoud struck her in the head with the stick. I shudder to think what awful things would have happened to her if she were raised in a Gay household. Read Rofayda's story here: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001793273_honorkilling17.html

Who could forget the way Susan Smith and Andrea Yates showered their children with love?! The list of abuse stories and killings by "traditional" parents goes on and on. The one thing I could not find was a case where same-sex parents had murdered their own children. Can anybody send me a link to that article?

I just don't understand how a lady who calls herself a Christian could care so little for the children of this state. She believes it is better for a child to be in an abusive home, an orphanage, or dead, than to be raised in a loving home with two parents of the same gender. I'm sure Sadie Fields takes comfort in knowing that the children mentioned above cannot be "recruited" into the gay lifestyle.

Love Me-Hate Me 3 Faiths

2005-09-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

(continued)

Originally there was supposed to be 3 other rabbis on the pilgrimage to Turkey since most of the Christians on the trip were clergy, though the majority of Jews and Muslims were primarily professional educators, organizers or active laypeople. For one reason or another each of the rabbis had to cancel except for me.

Therefore I was asked to present at the airport, the Jewish perspective on pilgrimages and also share about an experience of a personal pilgrimage. After listening to the Imam speak of the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, I spoke. Simply, I explained their our 3 major festivals along with the New Year were times in the to journey to Jerusalem. Then I said, my personal pilgrimage was a historical one that celebrated the theme of overthrowing oppression. For I had been born in 1969, the year that the Stonewall Riots occurred. Discomfort bristled in the group as I explained the treatment under NY state law of LGBT folks. My pilgrimage was helping plan the march for Stonewall 25 and returning to the site of one of the historic moments of my community and join together with others in support for gay rights. While the 3 other (out) gay folks on the trip smiled, I felt the discomfort bristle amongst the crowd.

Was it my imagination or did the way that people treated me the first few days change? I pondered this. Luckily one Muslim woman reached out to me, Tayyibah. She is the founder of Azzizah Magazine, a magazine that details the lives of American Muslim Women. We went on an early morning walk through the markets of Antakya as roosters crowed and merchants were displaying their wares along with vegetables, fish, and meat. The world was awakening.

(to be continued)

Lawmakers Ready to Ban Gay Adoption/Foster Parents

2005-09-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

From today's Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"In recent weeks, Republican lawmakers say, they have discussed submitting legislation to ban gay foster parents and adoptions by homosexuals when the Legislature convenes in January. The state Senate majority leader said recently that he would welcome such legislation." Read the rest of the story here: http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/0905/18parents.html

Appears Republican legislators are testing the water for their proposed gay adoption ban.

Now they really are coming for our kids.

What are we going to do?

Savannah Pride

2005-09-17T23:08:00.000-07:00

We just returned from Savannah Pride and had a wonderful time meeting all the new people. The festival was in a new location down on River Street, and it was fabulous to be right in the middle of all the straight people, and treated as if our dollars were as important to their economy as other tourists. I say this because last year our Savannah Pride experience was kind of scary. The night before the festival we were verbally attacked by drunk frat boys yelling hateful stuff toward us--that had us a little rattled. The next day we went to our first Savannah Pride festival in a hidden, almost fort like facility. It wasn't the best of Savannah....

Having the festival on River Street created an environment where straight people were at the festival in great numbers along side us. I didn't see any negativity. A few clearly didn't realize it was a gay pride celebration until they were in the market place, but for many they were taking it all in. I think a great unintended consequence was that we educated a large number of straight people about who we are. Most of these people probably would not have come into contact with us except for their accidental stumbling or curiousity about the festival. MEGA even had several straight people sign up in support of our work. It was a wonderful and fascinating twist to the day.

We also met so many people living in rural or not so friendly areas of Georgia and other states. We loved meeting all the families, couples, and individuals who brave the hard work of living in rural areas.

Good job, Savannah. We look forward to helping you make next year a success, and hope many new people come out to celebrate pride in Savannah.

2005-09-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

"Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center, asked legislative leaders in July to put adoption criteria on a list of topics to be studied before the Legislature convenes Jan. 9. He believes adoption should be limited to homes with a mother and father.
His proposal has received criticism from gay and lesbian advocacy groups, and many lawmakers said they were not eager to take on such an emotional issue."

Click Here to Read the Story

Love Me-Hate Me 3 Faiths

2005-09-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hey, for those of you who do not know me, I am your friendly neighborhood rabbi. Of the Reconstructionist variety (you can check out www.jrf.org) and of the gay orientation—queer actually. Good ole Joshua! I grew up here in the Atl and am the rabbi of CBH, a 20 yr old, unique synagogue where 10 years ago gay and lesbians welcomed straight folks to join about 10 years ago and now we are a pretty diverse community: half GLBT, half straight, lots of single parents, interfaith families, Jews of color, adopted children and generally a great deal of folks who felt like they were not so welcome in many other synagogues or faith communities.

I have a story of sorts of about my take on why I am committed to work for TLBGPQx2 equality in interfaith communities despite the challenges. The story ends with an interfaith trip that I took with faith leaders of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim persuasions from Atlanta to Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. This group, sponsored by World Pilgrims has the express purpose of bring people of the Abrahamic traditions to foster a deeper understanding and a greater ability to work with each other in order to work for the common good of our fair city. This is where you chime in with “Awww”. Actually, this is a pretty awesome idea and has brought me closer to working with people very different from myself. But the beginning of the story began in Turkey, the first time I traveled with such a group three years ago. Let me say it was a rough beginning. Let’s just say: Fundamentalist Christians, Muslims and Gays—Oh My! And I outted myself in a big way from the very start. (But this is where you have to be patient, because I will tell you more tomorrow.)

Fabulous And Gay

2005-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise ! Sue and I are walking down a corridor on the cruise ship Norwegian Dawn. This is the R Family Vacations cruise to the gay holy lands of Canada and Massachusetts where marriage is legal. The ship is crawling with gay couples and their children. Every one is happy and having a ball. And there is this guy walking in front of us with a T shirt with three big letters printed on the back -- F A G. I am incensed, outraged. As a parent of two adult gay children, that term is highly offensive to me. I pick up my pace to get closer. As I reach the man, I see in smaller print his shirt really says "Fabulous And Gay" !

Wow. What a relief. We introduce ourselves to this man. He is David, the owner of a new business in Rochester, NY that is making hair care and other products for gay (and straight) men. David's partner and son are on the cruise too. They are one of several sponsors of the cruise. In fact, a sample kit of products is included in the goody bag from Rosie that night. David explains that he and his company are trying to reclaim the word FAG and redefine it without the negative connotations. What a wonderful idea.

Check out their website at www.FabulousAndGay.com and let us know what you think. You can even get a FAG T shirt. We got one for our son.

Will Arnold Crack Under Pressure from All Sides?

2005-09-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

In addition to attacks from the core base of the Republican Party the moderate California Council of Churches and California Church IMPACT are urging Schwarzenegger to alter course and sign the gay marriage bill.
"People believe that all Christians are opposed to same-sex marriage. That is not at all accurate," said Rev. Schlosser Executive Director of both organizations.
"This bill is completely responsive to the differing views and allows churches to follow their own conscience regardless of what they believe. It is an honorable means to achieving a fully democratic and fair society with all views having the freedom of conscience. We urge the Governor to sign this important and historic bill."

Continue reading from 365gay.com by clicking here...

Transgender Conference, Gay Black Pride, and communists...

2005-09-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Spent all of Labor Day weekend working on LaGender's First Annual Southeastern Transgender Wellness Conference as part of In The Life Atlanta's Gay Black Pride Celebration at the Colony Square Midtown (two or so weeks before the Southern Comfort Conference http://www.sccatl.org/ at the same hotel). We also did a Fashion Show and Latex Ball. We got generally good reviews for all of the events. One of our conference presenters, a local endocrinologist, had to cancel two days before the conference due to a "family emergency in New Orleans". Oh, well - hope things work out for the best.
Monday the ITLA folks marched from the King Center to the State Capitol to have a rally. There were a few more people there than last year, but not by much (about 100 or so...). Once we got to the capitol steps, we were filmed by a crew of Georgia State Patrol officers while we had the rally. We heard a rousing speech by "Able Mable" Thompson (?), a state representative.
The revolutionary communist party were also there to hand out leaflets about the Katrina disaster. Is that why the State Patrol were there? They didn't marched but staked us out at the capitol. Watching them i heard inside my head the Beatles' Revolution (the slow version on the white album)
ya say you want a revolution, a welll, you know...
we all want to change the world...
but when you go carryin pictures of Chairman Mao,
ya 'aint gonna make it with anyone anyhow...
don't ya know its gonna be
alright...

Fundamental Questions For Fundamentalists

2005-09-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mel Seeholtz gives up a great rendering to the Religious Right on why they are neither. Click here to read the entire article.

If you would be so kind, gentlemen, as to explain why it is legitimate to cite the “validity” of Leviticus 18:22 in your varied political campaigns against homosexuals and marriage equality, while simultaneously ignoring other biblical edicts? What makes one “law” absolute and the others irrelevant?

Also, why aren’t you following the New Testament – specifically Matthew 19:6 – and lobbying for laws prohibiting divorce?

Furthermore, shouldn’t you be campaigning against equality for women as directed by the apostle Paul in First Timothy? He instructed Christians “suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” because “Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, was in the transgression.”

Tell Schwarzenegger to Support Legislation

2005-09-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

There is a movement underway to try to get the Governor to change his mind about vetoing the marriage bill.

You can go to Arnold's website and tell him to support the gender neutral marriage bill here:

http://www.govmail.ca.gov/

You give your name, email, and select "Gender-neutral marriage" from the pull-down menu, click "SUPPORT" and
fill in anything else if you wish in the comments part (but even not bothering to write
would still get into a tally).

Note that it does not ask for your address, so those of you outside of
California should take the time to do this, too.

Schwarzenegger Sells Out Gays

2005-09-08T00:18:00.000-07:00

The Governor of California announced he will veto the marriage legislation for same-sex couples. Amazing, how one man can decide the fate of so many people. This is why I am for term limits. It is so hard to find a politician who is willing to do what is right over what will get him or her re-elected. It is sickening really.

I hope the people of California will figure out how to hold Schwarzenegger accountable for this betrayal. In this very important moment in history, Arnold showed his true colors (and how disappointing). It makes it harder at this moment to buy into the idea we must work with Republicans and Democrats alike.

True, both parties have sold us out. But, the right wingers have so much more power in the republican party. It would have been interesting to see if a Democratic governor would have allowed the legislation to go forth.

Though it feels like a blow to the community, the reality is that it was a huge success. Getting two legislative bodies to support marriage equality is historic. Activists in California should be proud. Way to go Molly and Davina!

Our friends in California must continue to rally because they are so close to victory which is what makes the right wingers so nervous.

:-)

Focus on the Family conference in Massachusettes draws counter-protest

2005-09-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Focus on the Family is holding a Love Won Out, "pre-event" where clergy, youth minister, and others are taught how to "deal with homosexuality." Love Won Out is an "ex-gay" movement created by Focus on the Family. Its goal is to prevent homosexuality and to convert gays and lesbians into heterosexual conservative Christians.

The Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry, a group of more than 600 individual clergy and congregations from 21 faith traditions, willd demonstrate in front of Tremont Street Baptist Church, sight of the Focus on the Family's Love Won Out event. 88 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass.

Click here to read the Press Release. More Power to the People.

It Was Long Overdue!

2005-09-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

I applaud the brave representatives of California for passing the Gay Marriage bill last night. I think it was long overdue, and I hope the Governor does the right thing and signs it into law.

When my grandfather was growing up, it was OK to discriminate against Women, Black people, and Gay people. When my father was growing up, it was still OK to discriminate against Blacks and Gays, but Women had finally received many of the rights enjoyed by White Men in this country. When I was growing up, it was (and still is) OK to discriminate against Gay people, but Women and Black people now have all the rights of White Men.

Discrimination is discrimination, no matter which minority group is the victim. It is time to end it once and for all. The last line of our Pledge of Allegiance says, "With Liberty and Justice for ALL", not just "All Heterosexual, White, Christian Males".

California Lands First Legislative Victory for Marriage Equality

2005-09-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

"Tuesday's vote in the Assembly showed that gay rights advocates had "turned the corner on the issue of marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples," said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, a backer of the bill.
"As the debate today shows, love conquers fear, principle conquers politics and equality conquers injustice, and the governor can now secure his legacy as a true leader by signing this bill," he said.
It's unclear how the bill will be handled by Schwarzenegger, who in the past has said he prefers the issue to be settled by California voters or the courts. His office did not immediately respond late Tuesday to a call seeking comment.
Regardless of what action the governor takes, California's conflict over gay marriage will continue on several fronts."
Read the entire Modesto Bee article here

Will Marriage Become Legal in California?

2005-09-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the California General Assembly passed a landmark marriage equality bill after last weeks historic vote for marriage equality in the California Senate. It is the first time a state legislature voted for marriage equality---instead of a court forcing it upon them like what happened in Massachussetts. We are so excited for our friends and family in California. And guess what folks? California allows out of state residents to legally marry there. It appears the only thing that can stop it now is the one-and-only Arnold Schwarzeneger. Who would of thought Arnold would have so much power over the LGBT community. The Governor has said he would support marriage for LGBT people in the past, but he has also said he would like to see the voters decide the issue. Polling this past weekend shows the people of California are almost equally divided on the issue.

The true test for Arnold---Will he do what he knows is right and support marriage equality, or hold on to hopes of becoming President and sweep us under the rug like so many other politicians have done.

Read the 365 gay article here: http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/09/090605calAss.htm

Gay New Orleans devastated

2005-09-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Great article from Bay Windows.com. There's hope amid the devastation.

"We used the bar as a shelter and the quality of the gay population, local and tourist, was fantastic. We all pulled together and fed and took care of each other," Stambaugh said

Click here to continue reading....

Katrina's Affect on LGBT Families

2005-09-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Taking pause to reflect on devastating discrimination against LGBT families.

From 365gay.com
Recovering from the devastation of hurricane Katrina may be particularly difficult for same-sex couples who are not recognized in any of the three states directly hit by the storm or in those states where refugees have fled. Louisiana has a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and prevents the state from recognizing any legal status for common-law relationships, domestic partnerships or civil unions. Mississippi and Alabama both have defense of marriage acts which also deny rights to gay and lesbian couples.

The Federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents FEMA from providing any relief in the form of family benefits to same-sex couples.

The laws also will directly impact gay and lesbian families where one partner has died as a result of the hurricane.

Federal DOMA bars Social Security survivor benefits. State benefits would also be denied.

If the deceased partner were the birth or adoptive parent of the couple's children those children could be removed from the care of the other parent and placed in foster care.

Should the family home be in the name of the deceased partner the survivor would have no rights. Any insurance payouts could go to the estate of the deceased and if there is no will would go to the closest blood relative.

In cases where one partner is hospitalized the other partner would not be guaranteed visitation rights or any say in medical care.

Surviving same-sex partners even could be denied any say in funeral or burial decisions.

Even in those cases where couples had legal documents such as living wills, powers of attorney or other agreements that could be valid in the states in which they were prepared and notarized there is no guarantee they would be honored in states where survivors were relocated.

"It underscores all of the inequities same-sex couples face," Lambda Legal attorney Ken Upton told 365Gay.com.

Upton is the director of Lambda's office in Dallas, the closest major city to the disaster zone where the organization has a legal office.

Most of the evacuees from the New Orleans area are being relocated to Texas, primarily in the Houston area. Upton said that in the coming weeks he expects to hear from many same-sex couples who are encountering legal problems.

"It's hard at times like these for marginalized groups - particularly gays and lesbians - to be part of the bigger American picture," Updton said.

Two relief organizations are recognizing same-sex families: the American Red Cross and the Rainbow Fund.

The Red Cross was the first major aid agency to help gay and lesbian couples in the immediate aftermath of 9-11.

The Rainbow Fund is an LGBT San Francisco-based relief agency that allows gays and lesbians to see exactly where their money is going and allows the world to see the impact the greater gay community plays in providing aid.

In the case of hurricane Katrina the Fund is working with America's Second Harvest to help the survivors. All money given to the fund goes directly to relief efforts. It does not use any donations to maintain its organization.

365Gay.com has set up a special resource page with links to the Rainbow Fund, Red Cross, Lambda Legal and other aid agencies

All or Nothing in White County

2005-08-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Apparently the religious wackos in White County believe in cutting off their hand to spite their face.

Southern Voice: White County school bans non-academic clubs
" In addition to PRIDE, other clubs banned this school year include the Key Club, Interact, Students Against Drunk Driving and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, school system officials said. These clubs must meet off campus and are not endorsed by White County High School. "

Welcome to Blog for Equality

2005-08-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today is another day when I am left without words, so it is strange to start a blog on this day.
As I rushed busily through the day from task to task, I took a moment to check the gay press as I do everyday.
As I read the headlines, my heart stopped, my mind froze
on the words "Four Year Prison Term for Transgender Murder."
I re-read the sentence a couple of times to try to comprehend the message because my mind rejected the content.
A man confessed to stabbing a transgendered woman 20 times
and only received a FOUR year prison sentence due to a "gay panic" defense.
How does one properly respond to this news?
I feel almost lifeless, not even able to yell or get angry or cry.
Our government won't protect us.
Many of our fellow citizens treat us as less than human.
Where do we go from news like this?
When people are allowed to kill us without real consequences,
and our government doesn't protect us
and even subtly encourages this violence.
I know many before us survived a similar existence.
I guess we just endure the blows as long as we can
with the hope that our small efforts
will somehow stop the tidal wave of hatred and violence toward us
and deliver us basic equality one day in this country.