**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
Ft. Lauderdale: HIV/AIDS Community Town Hall Meeting
November 20, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Dillard High School, 2501 NW 11th Street, Fort lauderdale.
The White House Office on National AIDS Policy will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to gather input from the South Florida Community. Come and help develop the nation's first national strategy to end HIV/AIDS. This meeting is an important opportunity for residents to provide recommendations to White House staff and other policy makers. Online registration is encouraged: http://www.cmpinc.net/onap
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Christian Leaders Issue 'Call of Conscience'
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
More than 150 Christian leaders, most of them conservative evangelicals and traditionalist Roman Catholics, issued a joint declaration Friday reaffirming their opposition to abortion and gay marriage and pledging to protect religious freedoms.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/20/us/AP-US-REL-Christian-Manifesto.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
Barbary Coast: Faith and Tolerance Collide in Vallejo
By SCOTT JAMES
Drive through Vallejo and you will see a once-proud Navy town clearly down on its luck. A motel room goes for $30.99 a night, including HBO. Closed businesses proliferate; those that remain often have temporary vinyl signs held up by string, indicating a tentative investment in the future.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/us/20sfmetro.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
D.C. officials press for compromise on Catholic Charities
City hopes approving same-sex marriage wouldn't affect services
By Tim Craig
Some D.C. Council members and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton are reaching out to the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington to see whether they can find a compromise so the Church will not end its social services contracts with the city if the council legalizes same-sex marriage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111904001.html/
Gallery opening of the week
It's a timely moment to reflect on the birth of the gay rights movement given the controversy over same-sex marriage in the District and beyond, and artist Geoffrey Aldridge is doing just that with his exhibition at Transformer, "Geoffrey Aldridge: Hole in the Wall." The title comes from the Stonewall riots, often credited with jump-starting the gay rights movement in 1969 when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular Greenwich Village gay bar, and the patrons responded by hurling bricks, pennies and even a parking meter at the police.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111901475.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
//online.wsj.com/article/SB125865125112855917.html/
Christian Activists Unveil ‘Manhattan Declaration’; Jim Leach Speaks; Zoellick on Women’s Roles in Global Financial Crisis; Solis at Latino Lunch
By Susan Davis
A New Kind of Declaration: Christian activists are holding a new conference today at the National Press Club to release the “Manhattan Declaration.” The 4,700-plus word document has over 125 original signers and affirms opposition to abortion rights and gay marriage while endorsing religious freedom and, when necessary, civil disobedience. The document is addressed to Christians, but also members of Congress and President Barack Obama. Chuck Colson, founder of the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, helped draft the document. Original signers include Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Tony Perkins, president of the socially conservative Family Research Council.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/11/20/wire-watch-christian-activists-unveil-manhattan-declaration-jim-leach-speaks-zoellick-on-womens-roles-in-global-financial-crisis-solis-at-latino-lunch/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
From Liberace to Cruise to Palin, Oprah Winfrey has created years of noteworthy TV moments
By Lynn Elber
Oprah Winfrey has racked up memorable moments during her long television reign. Some were moving, some embarrassing — to her or others — and a handful became pop-culture landmarks. Here are highlights through the years: Winfrey gets the final TV interview with pianist-showman Liberace, six weeks before his AIDS-related death, 1986.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sns-ap-us-tv-winfreys-big-moments,0,3347422.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Conferences offering opposite views on homosexuality to converge in West Palm Beach
BY JANE MUSGRAVE, Palm Beach Post
One group believes that homosexuals can be cured and runs programs aimed at putting gay men and lesbians on a straight path.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/conferences-offering-opposite-views-on-homosexuality-to-converge-in-west-palm-beach.html/
Task Force remembers those lost to anti-transgender violence
News release from National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 — Tomorrow marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, memorializing those lost to anti-transgender violence over the past year. The Task Force honors the memory of transgender people killed internationally in 2009. For more information, including a list of related events, visit www.transgenderdor.org.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/task-force-remembers-those-lost-to-anti-transgender-violence.html/
Miss California pageant gives ad time to gay group, offers equal time to ex-title holder Carrie Prejean
Associated Press
The Miss California USA pageant director who became embroiled in a war of words with former title holder Carrie Prejean has donated 30-seconds of free ad time to the state's largest gay rights group.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/miss-california-pageant-gives-ad-time-to-gay-group-offers-equal-time-to-ex-title-holder-carrie-prejean.html/
HRC: Sen. John McCain reiterates support for ‘misguided’ don’t ask, don’t tell military policy
News release from Human Rights Campaign:
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, was troubled by Senator John McCain’s (R-AZ) remarks supporting the misguided Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) military policy. During Dr. Clifford Stanley’s confirmation hearing today for Undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness at the Department of Defense, Senator McCain expressed his opposition to the repeal of DADT and believes that this policy is currently working despite evidence proving otherwise, including studies from military think tanks and official pentagon publications.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/hrc-sen-john-mccain-reiterates-support-for-misguided-dont-ask-dont-tell-military-policy.html/
Tampa City Council protects transgender people by adding ‘gender identity’ to human-rights law
From Equality Florida Blog:
Equality Florida commends the Tampa City Council for expanding non-discrimination protections to those who live, work and visit the city. Tampa is the latest city in Florida to add “gender identity” to its human rights ordinance that bans discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/tampa-city-council-protects-transgender-people-by-adding-gender-identity-to-human-rights-law.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
L.A. Confidential
What's it like to be 33, gay, and one of the most powerful people in America's second-largest city? Stressful, says Matt Szabo, the new deputy chief of staff to Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
By Neal Broverman
The Velvet Mafia has yet to break the pink ceiling within the Senate or inside governors' mansions, but gays and lesbians have successfully invaded the power circles of America's biggest cities. Sam Adams runs Portland, Ore., Christine Quinn is the speaker of the New York city council, and in December, Annise Parker has a good shot at becoming Houston's first lesbian mayor. In Los Angeles, Matt Szabo took over one of the top spots in city government when he was announced as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's deputy chief of staff in September. The 33-year-old Southern California native talks to Advocate.com about his new job at City Hall, Proposition 8, and balancing (or not balancing) career and love.
http://www.advocate.com/Politics/Politicians/L_A__Confidential/
Stanley Remains Neutral on DADT
By Kerry Eleveld
The Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing Thursday for Clifford Stanley, a retired Marine general who has been nominated as undersecretary of Personnel and Readiness within the Department of Defense — the position that oversees the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/19/Stanley_Remains_Neutral_On_DADT/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Why do we hate? Academics seek answer in new field
By The Associated Press
Why did the Nazis hate the Jews? Why did the Hutus hate the Tutsis? Hate is everywhere, but the fundamental question of why one person can hate another has never been adequately studied, contends Jim Mohr of Gonzaga University, who is developing a new academic field of hate studies.
http://www.365gay.com/news/why-do-we-hate-academics-seek-answer-in-new-field/
Miss Calif. pageant gives ad time to gay group
By The Associated Press
The Miss California USA pageant director who became embroiled in a war of words with former title holder Carrie Prejean has donated 30-seconds of free ad time to the state’s largest gay rights group.
http://www.365gay.com/news/miss-calif-pageant-gives-ad-time-to-gay-group/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Family appeals to gay community to find missing son
The father of a 14-year-old boy who went missing two years ago has appealed to the gay community to help find him. Andrew Gosden has not been seen since September 14th, 2007.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/family-appeals-to-gay-community-to-find-missing-son/
Suspect in Puerto Rico teen's murder 'may use gay panic defence'
The man arrested in connection with the murder of gay Puerto Rico teenage Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado will reportedly use the 'gay panic' defence.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/suspect-in-puerto-rico-teens-murder-may-use-gay-panic-defence/
Trans woman in Italian political scandal found dead
A Brazillian trans woman at the centre of a scandal involving an Italian politician has been found dead in a burnt-out basement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/trans-woman-in-italian-political-scandal-found-dead/
Tatchell: 'Alan Carr and Graham Norton are camp and cliched'
Gay rights activist Peter Tatchell has said that TV executives should chose a wider range of gay presenters, not just "camp and cliched" stereotypes.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/tatchell-alan-carr-and-graham-norton-are-camp-and-cliched/
Texas 'accidentally banned all marriages'
A Texas candidate for attorney general has argued that an amendment made to the state's constitution to ban gay marriages has actually made all marriages illegal.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/texas-accidentally-banned-all-marriages/
NHS 'a world pioneer' in treating intersex babies
British doctors are becoming "world pioneers" in treating children and adults who are born with ambiguous genitals, it has been reported. The NHS treats such babies on the assumption that they should not automatically be operated on.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/nhs-a-world-pioneer-in-treating-intersex-babies/
Video: Gordon Brown records message for World AIDS Day
Prime minister Gordon Brown has recorded a video message for World AIDS Day. In the message, Brown paid tribute to the gay community in the 1980s, which he said had "led the way" on HIV and AIDS campaigning.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/video-gordon-brown-records-message-for-world-aids-day/
Newspaper roundup: New EU foreign affairs chief Cathy Ashton has strong gay rights record
In a profile published for The Guardian, Caroline Davies argues that the new European Union's new High Representative For Foreign Affairs has a strong history of standing up for equality. In 2006 she was the first recipient of the Stonewall Politician of the Year award.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/newspaper-roundup-new-eu-foreign-affairs-chief-cathy-ashton-has-strong-gay-rights-record/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Berkowitz: ‘2012′–Religious Right Leader Excoriates His Own for Aiding and Abetting ‘End of Times’ Hype and Hysteria
Bill Berkowitz \ BuzzFlash
Move over Nostradamus, “Rapture” kings and queens, “End Times” prophets, and Y2K hucksters. Here comes the real “end of days” brought to you by the Mayan calendar: Not! In its first weekend, the film “2012″ was a box office sensation; it took in $225 million — $65 million domestically and $160 million internationally. “2012″ is an special effects spectacular, combining the star power of its cast with the kind of doomsday scenario — derived from the end of the Mayan Calendar –- that apparently is being lapped up by movie audiences everywhere. Talk about going global!
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11669/
PA: Vigil for Puerto Rico Teen
Stop the Slaughter!
A Vigil will be held in Philadelphia on Friday evening, November 20th
to remember 19-year-old Jorge Lopez Mercado Lopez. Lopez, a Puerto Rican native, was found partially burned, decapitated and with arms and legs dismembered, on the side of the road near his home town Caguas, Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 14th.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11668/
US Christian Right Activists Pushing Death Penalty for Homosexuals in Poor African State
Christi van der Westhuizen, IPS News \ AlterNet
CAPE TOWN, Nov 11 (IPS) - The Anti-Homosexuality Bill under consideration in Uganda was sparked by a conference in Kampala earlier this year at which fundamentalist Christians from the U.S. identified homosexuality as a threat to “family values”.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11667/
Time to Stop the Lies
Jeff Krehely | American Progress
Download this memo (pdf)
Same-sex couples in Washington, D.C. could soon have the same full marriage rights and responsibilities that their straight counterparts currently enjoy. The Washington, D.C. city council is considering a bill that would expand its marriage law to be inclusive of same-sex couples. This bill also calls for all sections of the district’s code related to marriage and family benefits to be updated with gender-neutral language. This change would ensure that married same-sex couples receive the same treatment under the district’s laws as opposite-sex married couples.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11666/
Anti-Gay Church Sets Its Sights on Jews
Matthew E. Berger, Religion News Service \ USA Today
For more than a decade, Westboro Baptist Church has raised a ruckus with the message that God hates gays, posting itself outside government buildings, college campuses and even the funerals of American soldiers. But in recent months, the Topeka, Kan.-based church has been moving toward other targets, predominantly in the American Jewish community. Westboro Baptist members were in Washington this week to protest speeches by President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Jewish Federations of North America conference. Members of the Phelps family have been to other, less high-profile sites as well, targeting synagogues, Jewish community centers and Hillels on college campuses.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11664/
Hugo Chavez on LGBT Persecution and Marriage Equality
Towleroad
In an interview conducted at the Venice Film Festival in September, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is asked his thoughts on marriage equality.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11663/
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Jessica Geen \ Pink News
Today is the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance. The yearly event is held to recognise and remember trans people who have been killed through hatred or prejudice.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11658/
Special Report: Sexuality and Spirituality
Arielle Clay aclay@nbcaugusta.com \ NBC Augusta
Can a gay person go straight? Many Christian groups say yes. Others say a person is born gay and can’t change. In this special report, NBC Augusta 26 News takes a closer look at this debate.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11656/
Pastor Donnie McClurkin’s Gay Church
Rev. Irene Monroe \ Bay Windows
The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is the largest African American and largest Pentecostal church in the United States. It’s also the largest denominational black church in the country and the loudest in rebuking homosexuality.Many of the gospel music industry mega-stars can be heard at COGIC. The church’s charismatic worship style shouts to a black male queer gospel aesthetic making COGIC a church is conflicted with itself.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11655/
Feldblum Answers Questions at Confirmation Hearing
Gay Politics
Chai Feldblum, an openly lesbian nominee for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, today answered a question put to her by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who asked the nominee if she supported polygamy. The question came in response to a statement Feldblum had signed in support of alternative families while she was a professor at Columbia. Law Dork describes the exchange:
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11654/
US Christian Right Also Mobilizes African Clerics in US “Culture War” Over Ordination of LGBT Clergy
Public Research Association \ Public Eye
Sexual minorities in Africa have become collateral damage to our domestic conflicts and culture wars as U.S. conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay pastors and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans in their American fight, a groundbreaking investigation by Political Research Associates (PRA) has discovered.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11653/
Right Plans “Armageddon” to Block Gay EEOC Nominee
Gay Politics
The anti-gay Family Research Council and its allies on Capitol Hill are readying a withering series of questions for Chai Feldblum, who could become the first openly LGBT member of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11652/
Census Bureau Begins to Set a Good Example
Deb Price \ Creators
The 2010 Census will have a new message for same-sex married couples like Joyce and me: “You count.” Reflecting a refreshingly new era at the Census Bureau, the nation’s pre-eminent collector of data is upgrading how it deals with those of us who are gay.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11650/
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - November 19, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Philippine Gay Group Fights to Contest Elections
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A Philippine gay rights group is waging a legal battle to be allowed to run in next year's polls after the Elections Commission ruled it cannot register as a political party on grounds that it advocates immorality.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/19/world/AP-AS-Philippines-Gay-Rights.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Marriage counseling for D.C. and the Catholic Church
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I take issue with The Post's Nov. 15 editorial "Marital discord," especially its claim that "the Catholic Church is not trying to prevent the legalization of same-sex marriage in the District." In fact, the Archdiocese of Washington testified against the marriage equality bill and has supported an initiative that would bar same-sex marriages.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803621.html/
The HIV travel ban
An unfair policy comes to an end.
THE UNITED STATES is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to assist those living with the disease and to help the uninfected stay that way. But since 1987, there has been a blot on that leadership. While the United States was urging an end to the stigma that keeps people from protecting themselves, getting tested and seeking treatment, it was one of 12 nations perpetuating that stigma by enforcing a ban on entry by people who are HIV-positive. That ended last month when President Obama lifted the prohibition.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803195.html/
Bill to extend benefits to same-sex partners advances
By Joe Davidson
The effort to expand domestic benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees took another step forward Wednesday when a House committee advanced legislation to do just that.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803956.html/
Gay-marriage opponents sue to force referendum
Congress members grill D.C. officials on decision to block ballot initiative
By Tim Craig and Keith L. Alexander
The decision by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics to block a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage reverberated on Capitol Hill and in the courts Wednesday as the battle continued over whether voters should have a say in the debate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803863.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
New Lutheran body to form after gay pastor vote
By PATRICK CONDON, Associated Press
The split over gay clergy within the country's largest Lutheran denomination has prompted a conservative faction to begin forming a new Lutheran church body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/new-lutheran-body-to-form-after-gay-pastor-vote.html/
National LGBT young adult tobacco use survey unveiled
News release from the National Youth Advocacy Coalition:
WASHINGTON - The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) has released a national survey to assess behavior and attitudes around tobacco use by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) young adults ages 18-24. Data collected will be made public and used to make programmatic and policy recommendations on a national and regional level.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/national-lgbt-young-adult-tobacco-use-survey-unveiled.html/
Slaying, decapitation of gay teen in Puerto Rico investigated as hate crime
By MIKE MELIA, Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The slaying of a gay teenager whose decapitated, partially burned body was found along a road in Puerto Rico last week is under investigation as a possible hate crime, a police official said Wednesday. Activists say it would be the first case in this U.S. territory to invoke a law covering crimes based on sexual orientation.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/slaying-decapitation-of-gay-teen-in-puerto-rico-investigated-as-hate-crime.html/
Texas' gay marriage ban may have banned all marriages
By Dave Montgomery, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
AUSTIN — Here's a question for Texans: Are you really married? Maybe not.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/texas-gay-marriage-ban-may-have-banned-all-marriages.html/
Eddie Serrano, Richard Murry elected to Pridelines Youth Services board of directors
News release from Pridelines Youth Services:
MIAMI – November 18, 2009 – Pridelines Youth Services announced today that Eddie Serrano and Richard Murry have been elected to two-year terms on the Pridelines Board of Directors. Pridelines’ mission is to educate and empower South Florida’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (GLBTQ) youth and their straight allies by providing programming, counseling, support and referral services in a safe and diverse environment.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/eddie-serrano-richard-murry-elected-to-pridelines-youth-services-board-of-directors.html/
Orlando mayor leads community condemnation of anti-gay hate crime at gay community center
Here's a joint news release on behalf of Equality Florida, The Center, Florida ACLU, One Orlando, The Jewish Federation of Central Florida, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/orlando-mayor-leads-community-condemnation-of-anti-gay-hate-crime-at-gay-community-center.html/
Broward swears in Ken Keechl, county’s first openly gay mayor
By LAURA FIGUEROA, lfigueroa@MiamiHerald.com
Ken Keechl, 47, was sworn in Tuesday as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year he will preside over the Broward County Commission.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/broward-swears-in-ken-keechl-countys-first-openly-gay-mayor.html/
Gay ex-Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora wins runoff, will return to dais
BY DAVID SMILEY, dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
In a runoff election guaranteed to bring two new commissioners to Miami Beach City Hall, former Commissioner Michael Góngora coasted to a second stint on the dais while Jorge Exposito narrowly won a seat.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-ex-miami-beach-commissioner-michael-gngora-wins-runoff-will-return-to-dais.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Buttars Melting in Gay Rights Opposition?
By Julie Bolcer
Utah state senator Chris Buttars, an avowed opponent of gay rights, surprised many this week with his expression of potential support for statewide protections against employment and housing discrimination. But the Republican says there are limits, specifically, he does not want to see gay rights “creep” beyond the basic protections recently passed in Salt Lake City.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/19/Buttars_Melting_in_Gay_Rights_Opposition_/
Gay Men's Chorus Sings Praises of Blade
By Julie Bolcer
Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. presented the former Washington Blade with a check Wednesday night for a full-page ad in the newspaper’s new print iteration, the D.C. Agenda, which will be available on Friday.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/19/Gay_Mens_Chorus_Sings_Praises_of_Blade/
Sexually Active Gay Pastors Divide Lutherans
By Advocate.com Editors
The decision to allow sexually active gays and lesbian pastors to serve as clergy members has caused a split in the country’s largest Lutheran denomination, and some conservatives now say they’re forming their own body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Sexually_Active_Gay_Pastors_Divide_Lutherans/
New Breast Health Rules Leave Out Lesbians
Now that new government guidelines are out on how to best care for your breasts, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender women are left with a lot of questions.
By Michelle Garcia
For years medical professionals have advised women over the age of 40 to get annual breast exams as a way to detect cancerous tumors. However, the new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, which shun breast self-exams and suggest only women between the ages of 50 and 74 get mammograms every other year, are startling to some, while others welcome the recommendations.
http://www.advocate.com/Health_and_Fitness/Health_and_Treatments/Prevention/New_Breast_Health_Rules_Leave_Out_the_Lesbians/
Baltimore Gay Teen Murdered
By Advocate.com Editors
The murder of a gay teenager in Baltimore has left a family grieving and a community questioning why he was killed. The suspect is a family friend and ex-con who had served only 10 years of an original 30-year sentence for an earlier crime.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Baltimore_Gay_Teen_Murdered/
Blade Back in Business
By Neal Broverman
It's confirmed: A new iteration of the recently shuttered gay newspaper Washington Blade will launch on Friday under the name The D.C. Agenda.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Blade_Back_in_Business/
Judge Orders Feds to Pay Gay Couple
By Michelle Garcia
A gay couple in Los Angeles was awarded compensation Tuesday for being denied spousal benefits by the federal government.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Judge_Orders_Feds_to_Pay_Gay_Couple/
Triumph in the Tar Heel State
The loss of marriage equality in Maine was a major blow on Election Night, but down the coast in North Carolina there was an LGBT victory. Pam Spaulding talks to Chapel Hill's mayor-elect, Mark Kleinschmidt.
By Pam Spaulding
When Election Day 2009 came to a close, many of us in the LGBT community were focused on the devastating blow of rollback of marriage equality in Maine. But there were some noteworthy bright spots in local races around the country. One gay man in North Carolina found himself celebrating a victory — Mark Kleinschmidt, the mayor-elect of Chapel Hill. Despite the town's liberal reputation and Kleinschmidt's long history of public service — he has served on the Chapel Hill town council since December 2001 — Mark won his race by only 106 votes. Blogger Pam Spaulding, who lives a stone's throw away in Durham, N.C., sat down with Kleinschmidt to talk about the political climate in North Carolina and the mixed feelings about the results of the election as well as his personal rethinking on the matter of marriage equality and the ballot box.
http://www.advocate.com/Politics/Marriage_Equality/Triumph_in_the_Tar_Heel_State/
France's Latest Export
He's opened for Britney and Katy Perry, kept Dita Von Teese company in the front row at Paris Fashion Week, and gets name-checked on Twitter by Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Sarah Silverman. So who the hell is Sliimy, anyway?
By David Michael Conner
Don’t hold it against Sliimy that he was hand-picked by the infamous Perez Hilton to be the first artist signed to Hilton’s Perezcious label, an imprint of Warner Bros. And don’t hold it against him that his name — pronounced like “Slimmy,” not “Slimy” — looks slightly gross and requires phonetic explanation. Or that he’s popular in France. (He is French, after all.)
http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Music/Frances_Latest_Export/
Church Opens Doors for Homeless Gay Teens
A church-turned-shelter for homeless youth in Queens, New York is a far cry from sleeping on the streets after a $200,000 renovation and a partnership with the Ali Forney Center for LGBT youth.
By Michelle Garcia
A converted church in Queens, N.Y., may look like a pleasant youth hostel, but many of its residents made a tough journey to find this new place to call home.
http://www.advocate.com/Society/Youth/Church_Opens_Doors_for_Homeless_Gay_Teens/
Tom Ford Tells All
Known for his provocative reinventions of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, fashion designer Tom Ford has now remade himself, as director of A Single Man. Kevin Sessums’s frank interview with Ford reveals the extent to which he’s shedding his old skin.
By Kevin Sessums
“I don’t think of myself as gay. That doesn’t mean that I’m not gay. I just don’t define myself by my sexuality,” says Tom Ford with no sense of irony in his voice. Ford built a fashion empire at Gucci. When Yves Saint Laurent was acquired by Gucci in 1999, he reinvented that brand. Since then he has launched his own Tom Ford line of menswear and accessories. Always, throughout his career, whole collections and marketing campaigns were designed around his highly honed sense of the needs of others to define themselves as sexual beings.
http://www.advocate.com/Print_Issue/Cover_Stories/The_Visionary_Tom_Ford/
New Breast Health Rules Leave Out Lesbians
Now that new government guidelines are out on how to best care for your breasts, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender women are left with a lot of questions.
By Michelle Garcia
For years medical professionals have advised women over the age of 40 to get annual breast exams as a way to detect cancerous tumors. However, the new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, which shun breast self-exams and suggest only women between the ages of 50 and 74 get mammograms every other year, are startling to some, while others welcome the recommendations.
http://www.advocate.com/Health_and_Fitness/Health_and_Treatments/Prevention/New_Breast_Health_Rules_Leave_Out_the_Lesbians/
Kellan Lutz Won’t Strip for Ellen, Charity
By Advocate.com Editors
Ellen DeGeneres offered Twilight hunk Kellan Lutz $5,000 for one of his favorite charities if he’d take his shirt off on her show. He turned her down.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Kellan_Lutz_Wont_Strip_for_Ellen_Charity/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
New Lutheran body to form after gay pastor vote
By The Associated Press
The split over gay clergy within the country’s largest Lutheran denomination has prompted a conservative faction to begin forming a new Lutheran church body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://www.365gay.com/news/new-lutheran-body-to-form-after-gay-pastor-vote/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay unions threaten 'fabric of society', bishops say
A pastoral letter agreed at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops warns about the dangers of same-sex marriage and partnerships, saying they will affect everyone.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/gay-unions-threaten-fabric-of-society-bishops-say/
Chaz Bono says transition is 'the best decision I've ever made'
Chaz Bono, the son of singer Cher, appeared on US television this morning to discuss his gender reassignment. Speaking to Good Morning America, he said eight months into transition, he feels "great".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/chaz-bono-says-transition-is-best-decision-ive-ever-made/
Gay German spy accused of betraying state secrets
A German spy is on trial accused of handing over secret documents to his lover. The 42-year-old spy, named only as Anton K, reportedly began the affair with a Macedonian translator when he was posted to Kosovo in 2005.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/gay-german-spy-accused-of-betraying-state-secrets/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Lesbian and Gay Parents Are Not Better–and That’s Okay
Dana Rudolph \ Bilerico Project
Everyone’s been asking the question. The New York Times: “Are Same-Sex Couples Better Parents?” The Advocate: “Gay Parents Better than Straight?” SF Gate: “Are same-sex couples better parents?” The Dallas Voice: “Do gays and lesbians make better parents?”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11599/
Simon LeVay and the Biology of Sexual Orientation
Betty Greene Salwak \ Bilerico Project
Last Friday I had the great pleasure of attending a seminar intended to help professionals in the mental health field understand and counsel clients who are lesbian, gay and bisexual. Open to interested parties as well, it was held at the University of Indianapolis. (It was announced that because transgender individuals are markedly different under the circumstances being discussed, time would not permit inclusion of that population.)
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11598/
Queer Maine–A Very Different Anti-Marriage Postscript
Father Tony \ Bilerico Project
When you have fifteen minutes to devote to this, I urge you to have a listen to this articulate anti-assimilationist queer as he constructs an excellent economic reframe of Maine and gives voice to a point of view that was almost entirely stifled during the we-must-have-marriage gay juggernaut in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11596/
Illinois’ Jacob Meister Aims to be the First Openly Gay Senate Candidate
Phil Reese \ Bilerico Project
Jacob Meister and his campaign manager, Lowell Jaffe, were standing outside of a CVS Pharmacy on DuPont Circle, in Washington DC the morning of the National Equality March. Jaffe stuck his hand out as I passed and they started a campaign pitch, and I smiled and rolled my eyes. Candidates are always stopping folks outside of Wal-Mart or inside of Bob Evans, and I think at a certain point most politically active people have been desensitized to these awkward attempts to schmooze.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11595/
Lambda Legal Sues Because Health Care Isn’t a Luxury
Alex Blaze \ Bilerico Project
A few months ago, saying they needed to cut spending, the state of Arizona rescinded domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of state employees. They seemed to forget that it would have saved a whole lot more money if they got rid of family benefits for heterosexual relationships, or, to be fair, for everyone, but this isn’t about logic. This is about who’s expendable and who’s not.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11594/
Americans Want a Health Surtax on Wealthy
Daniela Perdomo \ AlterNet
Although the House bill includes a surtax on the wealthy in order to help fund the proposed health care overhaul, the possibility of it being included in the final health care bill seems uncertain. As Majority Leader Reid prepares the Senate’s bill, he ought pay attention to this newly released Associated Press poll which shows that 57% of Americans are in favor of a health surtax on the richest among us — and only 37% are opposed.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11593/
Do Yearly Mammograms Save Women’s Lives?
Posted by Daily Queer News
at November 19, 2009
Naomi Freundlich \ Health Beat \ AlterNet
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since this article was written, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has yielded to the uproar generated by new guidelines from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, and essentially urged women to ignore the committee’s recommendations, and continue with their yearly mammograms, and monthly self-examinations. The new recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that women under 50 should not undergo routine mammography is generating a lot of controversy — it is a direct challenge to the strong message women have been receiving for two decades that they should have yearly screening starting at age 40. The task force also recommends that women age 50-74 have a mammogram every two years (rather than yearly) and finds that there is little benefit in screening women over 74 at all.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11592/
Is House Health Bill a Threat to Our Constitution?
Barry W. Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State \ AlterNet
EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece was delivered as a statement at a press conference called by the Religious Coaltion for Reproductive Choice at the National Press Club on November 16, 2009. The topic was the anti-choice amendment, authored by Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., that was attached to the House health-care reform bill.
In the United States, the institutions of government and religion are separate.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11591/
Rachel Maddow Interview with Former Evangelist Frank Schaeffer: Christian Right ‘Trolling for Assassins’
AlterNet
The following is an excerpt of a transcript from a recent episode of the Rachel Maddow Show:
Rachel Maddow: With our president overseas, Republicans and conservatives here at home have been taking the opportunity to crank up their criticism of him. Former Vice President Dick Cheney telling Politico.com that President Obama advertised weakness when he bowed ceremonially to the emperor of Japan. Cheney said, quote, “Our friends and allies don‘t expect it and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness. There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11590/
How Limousine Liberals, Water Oligarchs and Even Sean Hannity Are Hijacking Our Water Supply
Yasha Levine \ AlterNet
A group of water oligarchs in California have engineered a disastrous deregulation and privatization scheme. And they’ve pulled in hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars without causing much public outrage. The amount of power and control they wield over California’s most precious resource, water, should shock and frighten us — and it would, if more people were aware of it. But here is the scary thing: They are plotting to gain an even larger share of California’s increasingly-scarce, over-tapped water supply, which will surely lead to shortages, higher prices and untold destruction to California’s environment.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11589/
Discharged Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Pelin Sidki \ CNN
Darren Manzella saw two tours of duty in Iraq, first as a combat medic and later as a liaison officer. He earned three promotions in his six years as a U.S. Army sergeant. Despite his professional success, Manzella says he began to question his personal life.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11588/
MD: Many Unanswered Questions in Killing of Youth
Peter Hermann and Brent Jones \ Baltimore Sun
It didn’t happen often, but sometimes a student - usually a boy - would poke fun at Jason Mattison Jr. About his skin-tight jeans and funky sweaters. About his boisterous voice that seemed to run nonstop. About his exuberance in recounting the most mundane of events. About his flamboyant mannerisms. He was 15, a sophomore in high school, and he was gay.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11587/
NE: Nelson: I’m Comfortable Being Lone Democrat to Derail Reform
Sam Stein \ Huffington Post
Ben Nelson, a key conservative Senate Democrats, said on Wednesday that he was pleased with the changes party leadership had made to health care legislation, specifically on matters of deficit reduction. But the Nebraska senator, whose vote has been elusive to pin down so far, said he would be comfortable being the lone Democrat to prevent the bill from overcoming a Republican filibuster.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11586/
US Christian Right Also Mobilizes African Clerics in US “Culture War” Over Ordination of LGBT Clergy
Public Research Association \ Public Eye
Sexual minorities in Africa have become collateral damage to our domestic conflicts and culture wars as U.S. conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay pastors and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans in their American fight, a groundbreaking investigation by Political Research Associates (PRA) has discovered.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11585/
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Philippine Gay Group Fights to Contest Elections
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A Philippine gay rights group is waging a legal battle to be allowed to run in next year's polls after the Elections Commission ruled it cannot register as a political party on grounds that it advocates immorality.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/19/world/AP-AS-Philippines-Gay-Rights.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Marriage counseling for D.C. and the Catholic Church
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I take issue with The Post's Nov. 15 editorial "Marital discord," especially its claim that "the Catholic Church is not trying to prevent the legalization of same-sex marriage in the District." In fact, the Archdiocese of Washington testified against the marriage equality bill and has supported an initiative that would bar same-sex marriages.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803621.html/
The HIV travel ban
An unfair policy comes to an end.
THE UNITED STATES is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent to assist those living with the disease and to help the uninfected stay that way. But since 1987, there has been a blot on that leadership. While the United States was urging an end to the stigma that keeps people from protecting themselves, getting tested and seeking treatment, it was one of 12 nations perpetuating that stigma by enforcing a ban on entry by people who are HIV-positive. That ended last month when President Obama lifted the prohibition.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803195.html/
Bill to extend benefits to same-sex partners advances
By Joe Davidson
The effort to expand domestic benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees took another step forward Wednesday when a House committee advanced legislation to do just that.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803956.html/
Gay-marriage opponents sue to force referendum
Congress members grill D.C. officials on decision to block ballot initiative
By Tim Craig and Keith L. Alexander
The decision by the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics to block a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage reverberated on Capitol Hill and in the courts Wednesday as the battle continued over whether voters should have a say in the debate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111803863.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
New Lutheran body to form after gay pastor vote
By PATRICK CONDON, Associated Press
The split over gay clergy within the country's largest Lutheran denomination has prompted a conservative faction to begin forming a new Lutheran church body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/new-lutheran-body-to-form-after-gay-pastor-vote.html/
National LGBT young adult tobacco use survey unveiled
News release from the National Youth Advocacy Coalition:
WASHINGTON - The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC) has released a national survey to assess behavior and attitudes around tobacco use by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) young adults ages 18-24. Data collected will be made public and used to make programmatic and policy recommendations on a national and regional level.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/national-lgbt-young-adult-tobacco-use-survey-unveiled.html/
Slaying, decapitation of gay teen in Puerto Rico investigated as hate crime
By MIKE MELIA, Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The slaying of a gay teenager whose decapitated, partially burned body was found along a road in Puerto Rico last week is under investigation as a possible hate crime, a police official said Wednesday. Activists say it would be the first case in this U.S. territory to invoke a law covering crimes based on sexual orientation.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/slaying-decapitation-of-gay-teen-in-puerto-rico-investigated-as-hate-crime.html/
Texas' gay marriage ban may have banned all marriages
By Dave Montgomery, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
AUSTIN — Here's a question for Texans: Are you really married? Maybe not.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/texas-gay-marriage-ban-may-have-banned-all-marriages.html/
Eddie Serrano, Richard Murry elected to Pridelines Youth Services board of directors
News release from Pridelines Youth Services:
MIAMI – November 18, 2009 – Pridelines Youth Services announced today that Eddie Serrano and Richard Murry have been elected to two-year terms on the Pridelines Board of Directors. Pridelines’ mission is to educate and empower South Florida’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (GLBTQ) youth and their straight allies by providing programming, counseling, support and referral services in a safe and diverse environment.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/eddie-serrano-richard-murry-elected-to-pridelines-youth-services-board-of-directors.html/
Orlando mayor leads community condemnation of anti-gay hate crime at gay community center
Here's a joint news release on behalf of Equality Florida, The Center, Florida ACLU, One Orlando, The Jewish Federation of Central Florida, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/orlando-mayor-leads-community-condemnation-of-anti-gay-hate-crime-at-gay-community-center.html/
Broward swears in Ken Keechl, county’s first openly gay mayor
By LAURA FIGUEROA, lfigueroa@MiamiHerald.com
Ken Keechl, 47, was sworn in Tuesday as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year he will preside over the Broward County Commission.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/broward-swears-in-ken-keechl-countys-first-openly-gay-mayor.html/
Gay ex-Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora wins runoff, will return to dais
BY DAVID SMILEY, dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
In a runoff election guaranteed to bring two new commissioners to Miami Beach City Hall, former Commissioner Michael Góngora coasted to a second stint on the dais while Jorge Exposito narrowly won a seat.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-ex-miami-beach-commissioner-michael-gngora-wins-runoff-will-return-to-dais.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Buttars Melting in Gay Rights Opposition?
By Julie Bolcer
Utah state senator Chris Buttars, an avowed opponent of gay rights, surprised many this week with his expression of potential support for statewide protections against employment and housing discrimination. But the Republican says there are limits, specifically, he does not want to see gay rights “creep” beyond the basic protections recently passed in Salt Lake City.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/19/Buttars_Melting_in_Gay_Rights_Opposition_/
Gay Men's Chorus Sings Praises of Blade
By Julie Bolcer
Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. presented the former Washington Blade with a check Wednesday night for a full-page ad in the newspaper’s new print iteration, the D.C. Agenda, which will be available on Friday.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/19/Gay_Mens_Chorus_Sings_Praises_of_Blade/
Sexually Active Gay Pastors Divide Lutherans
By Advocate.com Editors
The decision to allow sexually active gays and lesbian pastors to serve as clergy members has caused a split in the country’s largest Lutheran denomination, and some conservatives now say they’re forming their own body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Sexually_Active_Gay_Pastors_Divide_Lutherans/
New Breast Health Rules Leave Out Lesbians
Now that new government guidelines are out on how to best care for your breasts, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender women are left with a lot of questions.
By Michelle Garcia
For years medical professionals have advised women over the age of 40 to get annual breast exams as a way to detect cancerous tumors. However, the new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, which shun breast self-exams and suggest only women between the ages of 50 and 74 get mammograms every other year, are startling to some, while others welcome the recommendations.
http://www.advocate.com/Health_and_Fitness/Health_and_Treatments/Prevention/New_Breast_Health_Rules_Leave_Out_the_Lesbians/
Baltimore Gay Teen Murdered
By Advocate.com Editors
The murder of a gay teenager in Baltimore has left a family grieving and a community questioning why he was killed. The suspect is a family friend and ex-con who had served only 10 years of an original 30-year sentence for an earlier crime.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Baltimore_Gay_Teen_Murdered/
Blade Back in Business
By Neal Broverman
It's confirmed: A new iteration of the recently shuttered gay newspaper Washington Blade will launch on Friday under the name The D.C. Agenda.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Blade_Back_in_Business/
Judge Orders Feds to Pay Gay Couple
By Michelle Garcia
A gay couple in Los Angeles was awarded compensation Tuesday for being denied spousal benefits by the federal government.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Judge_Orders_Feds_to_Pay_Gay_Couple/
Triumph in the Tar Heel State
The loss of marriage equality in Maine was a major blow on Election Night, but down the coast in North Carolina there was an LGBT victory. Pam Spaulding talks to Chapel Hill's mayor-elect, Mark Kleinschmidt.
By Pam Spaulding
When Election Day 2009 came to a close, many of us in the LGBT community were focused on the devastating blow of rollback of marriage equality in Maine. But there were some noteworthy bright spots in local races around the country. One gay man in North Carolina found himself celebrating a victory — Mark Kleinschmidt, the mayor-elect of Chapel Hill. Despite the town's liberal reputation and Kleinschmidt's long history of public service — he has served on the Chapel Hill town council since December 2001 — Mark won his race by only 106 votes. Blogger Pam Spaulding, who lives a stone's throw away in Durham, N.C., sat down with Kleinschmidt to talk about the political climate in North Carolina and the mixed feelings about the results of the election as well as his personal rethinking on the matter of marriage equality and the ballot box.
http://www.advocate.com/Politics/Marriage_Equality/Triumph_in_the_Tar_Heel_State/
France's Latest Export
He's opened for Britney and Katy Perry, kept Dita Von Teese company in the front row at Paris Fashion Week, and gets name-checked on Twitter by Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Sarah Silverman. So who the hell is Sliimy, anyway?
By David Michael Conner
Don’t hold it against Sliimy that he was hand-picked by the infamous Perez Hilton to be the first artist signed to Hilton’s Perezcious label, an imprint of Warner Bros. And don’t hold it against him that his name — pronounced like “Slimmy,” not “Slimy” — looks slightly gross and requires phonetic explanation. Or that he’s popular in France. (He is French, after all.)
http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Music/Frances_Latest_Export/
Church Opens Doors for Homeless Gay Teens
A church-turned-shelter for homeless youth in Queens, New York is a far cry from sleeping on the streets after a $200,000 renovation and a partnership with the Ali Forney Center for LGBT youth.
By Michelle Garcia
A converted church in Queens, N.Y., may look like a pleasant youth hostel, but many of its residents made a tough journey to find this new place to call home.
http://www.advocate.com/Society/Youth/Church_Opens_Doors_for_Homeless_Gay_Teens/
Tom Ford Tells All
Known for his provocative reinventions of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, fashion designer Tom Ford has now remade himself, as director of A Single Man. Kevin Sessums’s frank interview with Ford reveals the extent to which he’s shedding his old skin.
By Kevin Sessums
“I don’t think of myself as gay. That doesn’t mean that I’m not gay. I just don’t define myself by my sexuality,” says Tom Ford with no sense of irony in his voice. Ford built a fashion empire at Gucci. When Yves Saint Laurent was acquired by Gucci in 1999, he reinvented that brand. Since then he has launched his own Tom Ford line of menswear and accessories. Always, throughout his career, whole collections and marketing campaigns were designed around his highly honed sense of the needs of others to define themselves as sexual beings.
http://www.advocate.com/Print_Issue/Cover_Stories/The_Visionary_Tom_Ford/
New Breast Health Rules Leave Out Lesbians
Now that new government guidelines are out on how to best care for your breasts, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender women are left with a lot of questions.
By Michelle Garcia
For years medical professionals have advised women over the age of 40 to get annual breast exams as a way to detect cancerous tumors. However, the new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, which shun breast self-exams and suggest only women between the ages of 50 and 74 get mammograms every other year, are startling to some, while others welcome the recommendations.
http://www.advocate.com/Health_and_Fitness/Health_and_Treatments/Prevention/New_Breast_Health_Rules_Leave_Out_the_Lesbians/
Kellan Lutz Won’t Strip for Ellen, Charity
By Advocate.com Editors
Ellen DeGeneres offered Twilight hunk Kellan Lutz $5,000 for one of his favorite charities if he’d take his shirt off on her show. He turned her down.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Kellan_Lutz_Wont_Strip_for_Ellen_Charity/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
New Lutheran body to form after gay pastor vote
By The Associated Press
The split over gay clergy within the country’s largest Lutheran denomination has prompted a conservative faction to begin forming a new Lutheran church body separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
http://www.365gay.com/news/new-lutheran-body-to-form-after-gay-pastor-vote/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay unions threaten 'fabric of society', bishops say
A pastoral letter agreed at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops warns about the dangers of same-sex marriage and partnerships, saying they will affect everyone.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/gay-unions-threaten-fabric-of-society-bishops-say/
Chaz Bono says transition is 'the best decision I've ever made'
Chaz Bono, the son of singer Cher, appeared on US television this morning to discuss his gender reassignment. Speaking to Good Morning America, he said eight months into transition, he feels "great".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/chaz-bono-says-transition-is-best-decision-ive-ever-made/
Gay German spy accused of betraying state secrets
A German spy is on trial accused of handing over secret documents to his lover. The 42-year-old spy, named only as Anton K, reportedly began the affair with a Macedonian translator when he was posted to Kosovo in 2005.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/19/gay-german-spy-accused-of-betraying-state-secrets/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Lesbian and Gay Parents Are Not Better–and That’s Okay
Dana Rudolph \ Bilerico Project
Everyone’s been asking the question. The New York Times: “Are Same-Sex Couples Better Parents?” The Advocate: “Gay Parents Better than Straight?” SF Gate: “Are same-sex couples better parents?” The Dallas Voice: “Do gays and lesbians make better parents?”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11599/
Simon LeVay and the Biology of Sexual Orientation
Betty Greene Salwak \ Bilerico Project
Last Friday I had the great pleasure of attending a seminar intended to help professionals in the mental health field understand and counsel clients who are lesbian, gay and bisexual. Open to interested parties as well, it was held at the University of Indianapolis. (It was announced that because transgender individuals are markedly different under the circumstances being discussed, time would not permit inclusion of that population.)
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11598/
Queer Maine–A Very Different Anti-Marriage Postscript
Father Tony \ Bilerico Project
When you have fifteen minutes to devote to this, I urge you to have a listen to this articulate anti-assimilationist queer as he constructs an excellent economic reframe of Maine and gives voice to a point of view that was almost entirely stifled during the we-must-have-marriage gay juggernaut in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11596/
Illinois’ Jacob Meister Aims to be the First Openly Gay Senate Candidate
Phil Reese \ Bilerico Project
Jacob Meister and his campaign manager, Lowell Jaffe, were standing outside of a CVS Pharmacy on DuPont Circle, in Washington DC the morning of the National Equality March. Jaffe stuck his hand out as I passed and they started a campaign pitch, and I smiled and rolled my eyes. Candidates are always stopping folks outside of Wal-Mart or inside of Bob Evans, and I think at a certain point most politically active people have been desensitized to these awkward attempts to schmooze.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11595/
Lambda Legal Sues Because Health Care Isn’t a Luxury
Alex Blaze \ Bilerico Project
A few months ago, saying they needed to cut spending, the state of Arizona rescinded domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of state employees. They seemed to forget that it would have saved a whole lot more money if they got rid of family benefits for heterosexual relationships, or, to be fair, for everyone, but this isn’t about logic. This is about who’s expendable and who’s not.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11594/
Americans Want a Health Surtax on Wealthy
Daniela Perdomo \ AlterNet
Although the House bill includes a surtax on the wealthy in order to help fund the proposed health care overhaul, the possibility of it being included in the final health care bill seems uncertain. As Majority Leader Reid prepares the Senate’s bill, he ought pay attention to this newly released Associated Press poll which shows that 57% of Americans are in favor of a health surtax on the richest among us — and only 37% are opposed.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11593/
Do Yearly Mammograms Save Women’s Lives?
Posted by Daily Queer News
at November 19, 2009
Naomi Freundlich \ Health Beat \ AlterNet
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since this article was written, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has yielded to the uproar generated by new guidelines from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, and essentially urged women to ignore the committee’s recommendations, and continue with their yearly mammograms, and monthly self-examinations. The new recommendation from the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force that women under 50 should not undergo routine mammography is generating a lot of controversy — it is a direct challenge to the strong message women have been receiving for two decades that they should have yearly screening starting at age 40. The task force also recommends that women age 50-74 have a mammogram every two years (rather than yearly) and finds that there is little benefit in screening women over 74 at all.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11592/
Is House Health Bill a Threat to Our Constitution?
Barry W. Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State \ AlterNet
EDITOR’S NOTE: This piece was delivered as a statement at a press conference called by the Religious Coaltion for Reproductive Choice at the National Press Club on November 16, 2009. The topic was the anti-choice amendment, authored by Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., that was attached to the House health-care reform bill.
In the United States, the institutions of government and religion are separate.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11591/
Rachel Maddow Interview with Former Evangelist Frank Schaeffer: Christian Right ‘Trolling for Assassins’
AlterNet
The following is an excerpt of a transcript from a recent episode of the Rachel Maddow Show:
Rachel Maddow: With our president overseas, Republicans and conservatives here at home have been taking the opportunity to crank up their criticism of him. Former Vice President Dick Cheney telling Politico.com that President Obama advertised weakness when he bowed ceremonially to the emperor of Japan. Cheney said, quote, “Our friends and allies don‘t expect it and our enemies see it as a sign of weakness. There is no reason for an American president to bow to anyone.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11590/
How Limousine Liberals, Water Oligarchs and Even Sean Hannity Are Hijacking Our Water Supply
Yasha Levine \ AlterNet
A group of water oligarchs in California have engineered a disastrous deregulation and privatization scheme. And they’ve pulled in hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars without causing much public outrage. The amount of power and control they wield over California’s most precious resource, water, should shock and frighten us — and it would, if more people were aware of it. But here is the scary thing: They are plotting to gain an even larger share of California’s increasingly-scarce, over-tapped water supply, which will surely lead to shortages, higher prices and untold destruction to California’s environment.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11589/
Discharged Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
Pelin Sidki \ CNN
Darren Manzella saw two tours of duty in Iraq, first as a combat medic and later as a liaison officer. He earned three promotions in his six years as a U.S. Army sergeant. Despite his professional success, Manzella says he began to question his personal life.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11588/
MD: Many Unanswered Questions in Killing of Youth
Peter Hermann and Brent Jones \ Baltimore Sun
It didn’t happen often, but sometimes a student - usually a boy - would poke fun at Jason Mattison Jr. About his skin-tight jeans and funky sweaters. About his boisterous voice that seemed to run nonstop. About his exuberance in recounting the most mundane of events. About his flamboyant mannerisms. He was 15, a sophomore in high school, and he was gay.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11587/
NE: Nelson: I’m Comfortable Being Lone Democrat to Derail Reform
Sam Stein \ Huffington Post
Ben Nelson, a key conservative Senate Democrats, said on Wednesday that he was pleased with the changes party leadership had made to health care legislation, specifically on matters of deficit reduction. But the Nebraska senator, whose vote has been elusive to pin down so far, said he would be comfortable being the lone Democrat to prevent the bill from overcoming a Republican filibuster.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11586/
US Christian Right Also Mobilizes African Clerics in US “Culture War” Over Ordination of LGBT Clergy
Public Research Association \ Public Eye
Sexual minorities in Africa have become collateral damage to our domestic conflicts and culture wars as U.S. conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay pastors and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans in their American fight, a groundbreaking investigation by Political Research Associates (PRA) has discovered.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11585/
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - November 18, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Finding on Priests’ Sexuality and Abuse
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A preliminary report commissioned by the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops to investigate sexual abuse by members of the clergy has found no evidence that gay priests are more likely than heterosexual ones to molest children, the authors of the study said. The full report by researchers at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice will not be completed until the end of next year. But the authors said their evidence to date found no data indicating that homosexuality was a predictor of abuse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/us/18brfs-FINDINGONPRI_BRF.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=4&adxnnlx=1258556459-VNZfreYSuKCPDERLFTd+Zg/
No Measure to Ban Gay Marriage
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The District of Columbia Board of Ethics and Elections said a measure that would ban same-sex marriages cannot go on the city’s ballot. Opponents of same-sex marriage wanted to ask voters whether “only marriage between a man and woman” should be recognized. The City Council is expected to pass a measure that would let same-sex couples marry. The elections board said that putting a measure to ban same-sex marriage on the ballot would conflict with the city’s Human Rights Act.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/us/18brfs-NOMEASURETOB_BRF.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
The Blade's hard times
A Washington paper provided a critical voice.
THE FINANCIAL problems of Window Media, the parent company of the Washington Blade, had been known for a while -- so much so that the 20 staffers of the weekly newspaper put in a bid to buy the publication last summer. No action was taken. And so, on Monday morning, after 40 years of chronicling the gay and lesbian community in the nation's capital and elsewhere, the Blade and several other gay publications ceased operation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111703408.html/
Seeking to put asunder
Despite D.C. setback, Bishop Jackson carries his national message -- and mission -- against gay marriage
By Wil Haygood
This is how Bishop Harry Jackson spent his summer vacation: He hustled back and forth across the District rallying his faithful flock who oppose gay marriage. He leaned into microphones over at the Board of Elections and Ethics, quoting biblical verse, decrying those who would trumpet marriage between man and man, woman and woman.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111703976.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
In Palin Tour, No Sign of 2012 Run
By PETER WALLSTEN
One of the biggest questions about Sarah Palin's new book is whether her promotional tour, which starts this week, is a prelude to a 2012 presidential bid.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125840790856351153.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Keechl becomes Broward's first openly gay mayor
County commissioners choose colleague unanimously for post
By Scott Wyman
Ken Keechl - openly gay - took over as Broward mayor Tuesday amid a wide-ranging government corruption investigation that has ensnared one county commissioner.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-mayor-20091118,0,3613787.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Orlando mayor leads community condemnation of anti-gay hate crime at gay community center
Here's a joint news release on behalf of Equality Florida, The Center, Florida ACLU, One Orlando, The Jewish Federation of Central Florida, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center: Community leaders point to a rising tide of anti-gay hate crimes in Florida
ORLANDO, FL, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, more commonly known as The Center, was vandalized on Sunday along with neighboring gay owned businesses. The Center was spray painted with a swastika and the words “Gay Pawer” while gay owned business Ritzy Rags was marked with “Kill Gays,” “Go To Hell” and other homophobic slurs.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/orlando-mayor-leads-community-condemnation-of-anti-gay-hate-crime-at-gay-community-center.html/
Broward swears in Ken Keechl, county’s first openly gay mayor
By LAURA FIGUEROA, lfigueroa@MiamiHerald.com
Ken Keechl, 47, was sworn in Tuesday as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year he will preside over the Broward County Commission.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/broward-swears-in-ken-keechl-countys-first-openly-gay-mayor.html/
Gay ex-Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora wins runoff, will return to dais
BY DAVID SMILEY, dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
In a runoff election guaranteed to bring two new commissioners to Miami Beach City Hall, former Commissioner Michael Góngora coasted to a second stint on the dais while Jorge Exposito narrowly won a seat.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-ex-miami-beach-commissioner-michael-gngora-wins-runoff-will-return-to-dais.html/
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemns dismemberment slaying of gay teen in Puerto Rico
News release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemns the brutal murder of Jorge Steven López, a 19-year-old gay man in Puerto Rico, in a possible hate crime. A suspect has reportedly been arrested.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/national-gay-and-lesbian-task-force-condemns-dismemberment-slaying-of-gay-teen-in-puerto-rico.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Vandalism discovered at Orlando community center
The Associated Press
Donors, volunteers and local leaders are lining up in support of an Orlando community center that was the target of vandalism earlier this week.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1339238.html/
SARAH PALIN: Sigh . . . here to stay
BY EUGENE ROBINSON
No force on earth can stop Sarah Palin from becoming our very own ``lite'' version of Eva Peron -- a glamorous and tragic legend, minus the tragedy. Eventually, some clever composer will write a blockbuster musical about her life and times. Stage directions will include: ``SARAH fires gun. MOOSE dies.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/1338890.html/
Ken Keechl makes Broward history
Broward County's first openly gay mayor was sworn in to office Tuesday. His new role was celebrated by gay and lesbian activists.
By LAURA FIGUEROA
Growing up, Ken Keechl was always fascinated by politics, but thought he could never get elected as an openly gay man. Tuesday morning, Keechl, 47, raised his right hand as he was sworn in as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year, he will preside over the dais of Florida's second-most populous county (1.8 million residents).
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/story/1338816.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Bishop Jackson: What, Me Homophobic?
By Julie Bolcer
The growing list of marriage equality opponents that deny their position is rooted in homophobia includes Barry Harry Jackson, Jr. the Pentecostal minister fighting against same-sex marriage legislation in Washington, D.C.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Bishop_Jackson_What_Me_Homophobic_/
Blade Successor in Print This Friday?
By Julie Bolcer
In a Washington Post editorial on the demise of the Washington Blade, former editor Kevin Naff indicates that a successor publication could appear in print as early as this Friday.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Blade_Successor_in_Print_This_Friday_/
SLC Mayor Signs Gay-Friendly Ordinances
By Christopher Mangum
Salt Lake City mayor Ralph Becker signed a pair of nondiscrimination ordinances Tuesday afternoon. "This is a great moment ... in the history of Salt Lake City," Becker told reporters, according to the Deseret News. "Part of our success as a community is all of us living together and respecting each other."
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/17/SLC_Mayor_Signs_Gay_Friendly_Ordinances/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Report: Homosexuality no factor in abusive priests
By The Associated Press
A preliminary report commissioned by the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops on the roots of the clergy sex abuse scandal found no evidence that gay priests are more likely than heterosexual clergy to molest children, the lead authors of the study said Tuesday.
http://www.365gay.com/news/report-homosexuality-no-factor-in-abusive-priests/
Lambda Legal files suit to prevent Ariz. from stripping domestic partner benefits
By 365gay Newswire
From Lambda Legal: (Tuscon, Ariz.) Lambda Legal has filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tucson to block a move to strip domestic partner benefits from gay and lesbian state employees. Arizona lawmakers included a provision stripping domestic partner health benefits from state employees as part of a last-minute budget deal signed by Governor Jan Brewer in September, while retaining spousal health benefits for heterosexual workers.
http://www.365gay.com/news/lambda-legal-files-suit-to-prevent-ariz-from-stripping-domestic-partner-benefits/
Behind the news: Washington Blade was almost saved
By 365gay Newswire
A publisher was in negotiations to buy and run the Washington Blade before it was shut down on Monday. From a press release: In response to media inquiries and an apparent information blackout by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Nicholas F. Benton, owner of the Falls Church News-Press, a Washington, D.C.-area weekly, confirmed today that his corporation, Benton Communications, Inc., had won a bid from parties that included the SBA in September to obtain the assets of the Washington Blade from its bankrupt parent company for purposes of a seamless perpetuation of the nation’s oldest gay community newspaper.
http://www.365gay.com/news/behind-the-news-washington-blade-was-almost-saved/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay superheroes star in new comic
A comic book featuring an all-LGBT team has gone on sale. Spandex is set in Brighton and features trans crime fighter Liberty and Diva, a lesbian equivalent of Wonder Woman, as they take on various villains.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/comic-features-trans-and-lesbian-characters/
Gay marriage campaign kicks off in California
The fight to win back gay marriage has begun in California. Yesterday, gay rights group Love Honor Cherish launched its campaign to get one million signatures in favour of repealing the ban.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/gay-marriage-campaign-kicks-off-in-california/
Gay policeman James Parkes expected to return to work soon
James Parkes, the gay trainee policeman who was beaten in a homophobic attack, is expected to return to work in a matter of weeks. He has been recovering from his injuries.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/gay-policeman-james-parkes-expected-to-return-to-work-soon/
Peter Tatchell to speak with former Bishop of Edinburgh tonight
Peter Tatchell will appear in conversation with Richard Holloway, the former Bishop of Edinburgh, tonight. Holloway has supported Tatchell in the past, even defending him when he appeared in court in 1998 for storming the Archbishop of Canterbury's Easter sermon.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/peter-tatchell-to-speak-with-former-bishop-of-edinburgh-tonight/
Lesbian mayor candidate in Houston 'targeted by conservatives'
Annise Parker, the frontrunning candidate for Houston's mayor, is the subject of a campaign by a conservative group to discourage residents from voting from her. They fear a "gay takeover" of City Hall.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/lesbian-mayor-candidate-in-houston-targeted-by-conservatives/
Georgia teacher 'threatened to have gay student killed'
A teacher in the US state of Georgia is accused of trying to "put a hit" on a student he thought was gay Randolph Forde, a teacher at Mundy’s Mill High School in Clayton County, has been suspended with pay after being arrested last month.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/georgia-teacher-threatened-to-have-gay-student-killed/
Adam Lambert: 'People are freaked out by male sexuality'
American Idol star Adam Lambert has said that people find his expressions of his sexuality offensive because he is gay. The star also said that promiscuity was not for him.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/adam-lambert-people-are-freaked-out-by-male-sexuality/
Follow PinkNews.co.uk on Twitter, Facebook and MyPinkNews
Sometimes we admit we're a little behind the times. Yes PinkNews.co.uk has had a Facebook application since they were invented but we haven't helped you easily follow us on Facebook or indeed Twitter or even MyPinkNews until now.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/follow-pinknews.co.uk-on-twitter-facebook-and-mypinknews/
Gay man killed by sparring partner he paid to fight him
A gay businessman died after being beaten by a man he paid to fight for sexual thrills, a court heard yesterday. Colin Butler, 49, suffered fractures to his head, neck and ribs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/gay-man-killed-by-sparring-partner-he-paid-to-fight-him/
Ben Elton makes gay joke about Prince Edward
Comedian Ben Elton was accused of poor taste last night after making a remark about Prince Edward's sexuality and calling the Queen "a sad old lady".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/ben-elton-makes-gay-joke-about-prince-edward/
Thief robs gay men in Brighton
Police have appealed for information to help catch a thief who befriends gay men in order to steal from them. Two men have reported having their possessions stolen by him after they invited him home.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/thief-robs-gay-men-in-brighton/
Scottish presbytery 'broke gay moratorium' by accepting gay man for training
A Church of Scotland court has upheld a complaint that a presbytery broke the moratorium on gay clergy by nominating a gay man for training as a minister. It said no new gay candidates would be taken on.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/scottish-presbytery-broke-gay-moratorium-by-accepting-gay-man-for-training/
Gay priests 'no more likely to abuse children than heterosexuals'
A study commissioned by the US Roman Catholic Church has found no evidence that gay priests are more likely to sexually abuse children than heterosexual clergy.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/gay-priests-no-more-likely-to-abuse-children-than-heterosexuals/
Exclusive: HIV film 'dangerous and misleading'
A film about HIV and what causes AIDS has been attacked for being misleading and even dangerous. HIV charities and health experts have told PinkNews.co.uk that the ideas the film promotes are "pseudo-science" and could damage the public health.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/hiv-film-dangerous-and-misleading/
Exclusive: Stonewall to fight for civil partnerships to be held in churches
Gay rights charity Stonewall said last night it will seek to add an amendment to the Equality Bill to allow religious buildings such as churches to hold civil partnership ceremonies.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/exclusive-stonewall-to-fight-for-civil-partnerships-to-be-held-in-churches/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Will Gay Bloggers’ Boycott of Democrats Get Traction?
Joe Siegel \ EDGE New England Editor \ EDGE Boston
How effective would an LGBT boycott of an organization, a big, a very big organization, be? We’re about to find out–if, that is, enough people agree. In an effort to motivate the Democrats in Congress to move faster on LGBT civil rights issues, a coalition of progressive bloggers have launched a boycott of the Democratic National Committee, Organizing for America, and the Obama administration.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11555/
Prevaricating Pastors: Mendacious Ministers Prove It’s Still Legal to be Bigots
Rob Boston \ Talk 2 Action
It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the Religious Right. Through my work at Americans United, I’ve opposed this movement for 22 years and have written three books challenging the Religious Right’s perspective.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11556/
Frank, Bladwin, Polis Make “Out 100″ List
Out100
Where are our “fierce advocates?” They’re in the United States House of Representatives. Frank, Baldwin, and Polis (left to right) form a powerful, out triumvirate, wielding influence over the economy, social welfare, labor, and education. Frank’s was one of few steady hands on the rudder of the failing U.S. economy during the 2008 credit crisis. He helped midwife the bailouts and stimulus package many say were crucial to avoiding a Great Depression redux.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11557/
TX: It’s Time to Disavow the Politics of Discrimination and Bigotry
Houston Chronicle
A band of socially conservative activists and ministers has injected intolerance into Houston’s mayoral election. As reported Saturday by the Chronicle’s Bradley Olson, the group plans to discourage voters from supporting City Controller Annise Parker in the Dec. 12 runoff because she is a lesbian, and because they’re worried about a “gay takeover” of City Hall.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11558/
Suspects Arrested in Horrific Puerto Rico Hate Crime; NYC Vigil Planned
By Jennifer Vanasco
A suspect has been arrested in the Puerto Rico murder and decapitation of gay teenager Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, according to an iReport by Christopher Pagan.: The main suspect of the cruel murder of a young homosexual found in the area of Guavate Cayey, was arrested this morning and shall be taken to a judge today to face charges, confirmed the press of the Puerto Rico Police, Damaris Periera.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11559/
Indian Prince Creating Change
Southern Star
When Crown Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of the Indian state of Rajpipla arrived in Australia it marked his first visit to Australia. However, rather than coming to relax or take in the country’s famous landmarks, his trip is purely professional.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11565/
HIV Film ‘Dangerous and Misleading’
Jessica Geen \ Pink News
A film about HIV and what causes AIDS has been attacked for being misleading and even dangerous.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11566/
Why Approval Matters
John Corvino \ Independent Gay Forum
It’s November, which means bookstores have next year’s calendars on display. When I was a teenager, this annual occurrence unnerved me. The “male interest” calendars”—think “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model of the Month”—held no appeal for me. Instead, I would nervously reach for a Chippendales calendar, hiding it behind something innocuously themed (race cars, puppies, whatever) so that I could stare admiringly at half-naked men. As soon as I noticed anyone approaching, I would throw both calendars back on the shelf and dart out of the store.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11582/
MO: WORLD AIDS DAY
For more information on World AIDS Day, visit www.worldaidscampaign.org/St.Louis
Acclaimed artist-activist honors World AIDS Day with an American tour of intimacies, a groundbreaking theatre piece that he wrote and performed twenty years ago. The Gateway Men’s Chorus, under direction of Dr. Jeffrey Carter, will open the show. Show begins at 8:00pm, tickets are available at the door, all seating is general admission, audience members choose to pay $10-$25 to see the show; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. - Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis - 1919 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104. For more information, please visit www.uppityco.com or call 314.995.4600.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11581/
MO: Transgender Day of Remembrance
TRANSGENDER DAY OF Remembrance
For more information on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, visit www.transgenderdor.org St. Louis
Wednesday, November 18th
8:00pm - Transgender Day of Remembrance Service - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3664 Arsenal St.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11580/
CA: The San Diego LGBT Center Events
50 and Better LGBT Senior Survey
Our seniors are our history and our heroes. They deserve our respect, our support and, when necessary, our help. This requires that we develop a real understanding of our seniors’ lives and of their needs. In order to help us do that, The Center is asking community members who are 50 and better to take part in the 50 and Better LGBT Senior Survey. If you’re 50 or better, take the survey now.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11578/
Press Conference Denounces Expansion of Hate Crimes, Coalition Presents Memo to Representative of Attorney General
To: National Desk Contact: Misty Allmond, 936-560-3900, visionamerica1@yahoo.com
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 /Christian Newswire/ — From 1 to 3 pm today, a coalition of concerned Christians held a press conference outside of the Justice Department in Washington. D.C., decrying the recent expansion of federal hate-crimes legislation to include homosexuals, and contending that this will result in the persecution of Bible-believing Christians.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11577/
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Ft. Lauderdale: White House to Host AIDS Town Hall Meeting November 20
The White House Office of National AIDS Policy will host a town hall meeting
at Dillard High School, 2501 N.W. 11 Street, Fort Lauderdale on Friday,
November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is one of 14 Town Hall Forums being held
across the country, including Puerto Rico. The Broward County Community
Partnerships Division is coordinating the event. The purpose of this
meeting is to receive input from the South Florida community as part of the
development of the nation's first National HIV/AIDS Strategy to end
HIV/AIDS. These community discussion forums will provide opportunities for
individual residents to dialogue and provide White House staff and other
policy makers with recommendations for achieving President Barack Obama's
three goals for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy:
· Reducing HIV incidence
· Increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes
· Reducing HIV-related health disparities
Participants will have 1 minute and 30 seconds to share their
recommendations. To help prepare for the community forum, participants are
encouraged to download worksheets on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy at
On-line registration is encouraged at
https://www.cmpinc.net/onap/registration.aspx
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#####
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Finding on Priests’ Sexuality and Abuse
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A preliminary report commissioned by the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops to investigate sexual abuse by members of the clergy has found no evidence that gay priests are more likely than heterosexual ones to molest children, the authors of the study said. The full report by researchers at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice will not be completed until the end of next year. But the authors said their evidence to date found no data indicating that homosexuality was a predictor of abuse.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/us/18brfs-FINDINGONPRI_BRF.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=4&adxnnlx=1258556459-VNZfreYSuKCPDERLFTd+Zg/
No Measure to Ban Gay Marriage
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The District of Columbia Board of Ethics and Elections said a measure that would ban same-sex marriages cannot go on the city’s ballot. Opponents of same-sex marriage wanted to ask voters whether “only marriage between a man and woman” should be recognized. The City Council is expected to pass a measure that would let same-sex couples marry. The elections board said that putting a measure to ban same-sex marriage on the ballot would conflict with the city’s Human Rights Act.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/us/18brfs-NOMEASURETOB_BRF.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
The Blade's hard times
A Washington paper provided a critical voice.
THE FINANCIAL problems of Window Media, the parent company of the Washington Blade, had been known for a while -- so much so that the 20 staffers of the weekly newspaper put in a bid to buy the publication last summer. No action was taken. And so, on Monday morning, after 40 years of chronicling the gay and lesbian community in the nation's capital and elsewhere, the Blade and several other gay publications ceased operation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111703408.html/
Seeking to put asunder
Despite D.C. setback, Bishop Jackson carries his national message -- and mission -- against gay marriage
By Wil Haygood
This is how Bishop Harry Jackson spent his summer vacation: He hustled back and forth across the District rallying his faithful flock who oppose gay marriage. He leaned into microphones over at the Board of Elections and Ethics, quoting biblical verse, decrying those who would trumpet marriage between man and man, woman and woman.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/17/AR2009111703976.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
In Palin Tour, No Sign of 2012 Run
By PETER WALLSTEN
One of the biggest questions about Sarah Palin's new book is whether her promotional tour, which starts this week, is a prelude to a 2012 presidential bid.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125840790856351153.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Keechl becomes Broward's first openly gay mayor
County commissioners choose colleague unanimously for post
By Scott Wyman
Ken Keechl - openly gay - took over as Broward mayor Tuesday amid a wide-ranging government corruption investigation that has ensnared one county commissioner.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-mayor-20091118,0,3613787.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Orlando mayor leads community condemnation of anti-gay hate crime at gay community center
Here's a joint news release on behalf of Equality Florida, The Center, Florida ACLU, One Orlando, The Jewish Federation of Central Florida, Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center: Community leaders point to a rising tide of anti-gay hate crimes in Florida
ORLANDO, FL, Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, more commonly known as The Center, was vandalized on Sunday along with neighboring gay owned businesses. The Center was spray painted with a swastika and the words “Gay Pawer” while gay owned business Ritzy Rags was marked with “Kill Gays,” “Go To Hell” and other homophobic slurs.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/orlando-mayor-leads-community-condemnation-of-anti-gay-hate-crime-at-gay-community-center.html/
Broward swears in Ken Keechl, county’s first openly gay mayor
By LAURA FIGUEROA, lfigueroa@MiamiHerald.com
Ken Keechl, 47, was sworn in Tuesday as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year he will preside over the Broward County Commission.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/broward-swears-in-ken-keechl-countys-first-openly-gay-mayor.html/
Gay ex-Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora wins runoff, will return to dais
BY DAVID SMILEY, dsmiley@MiamiHerald.com
In a runoff election guaranteed to bring two new commissioners to Miami Beach City Hall, former Commissioner Michael Góngora coasted to a second stint on the dais while Jorge Exposito narrowly won a seat.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-ex-miami-beach-commissioner-michael-gngora-wins-runoff-will-return-to-dais.html/
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemns dismemberment slaying of gay teen in Puerto Rico
News release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force condemns the brutal murder of Jorge Steven López, a 19-year-old gay man in Puerto Rico, in a possible hate crime. A suspect has reportedly been arrested.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/national-gay-and-lesbian-task-force-condemns-dismemberment-slaying-of-gay-teen-in-puerto-rico.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Vandalism discovered at Orlando community center
The Associated Press
Donors, volunteers and local leaders are lining up in support of an Orlando community center that was the target of vandalism earlier this week.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1339238.html/
SARAH PALIN: Sigh . . . here to stay
BY EUGENE ROBINSON
No force on earth can stop Sarah Palin from becoming our very own ``lite'' version of Eva Peron -- a glamorous and tragic legend, minus the tragedy. Eventually, some clever composer will write a blockbuster musical about her life and times. Stage directions will include: ``SARAH fires gun. MOOSE dies.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/1338890.html/
Ken Keechl makes Broward history
Broward County's first openly gay mayor was sworn in to office Tuesday. His new role was celebrated by gay and lesbian activists.
By LAURA FIGUEROA
Growing up, Ken Keechl was always fascinated by politics, but thought he could never get elected as an openly gay man. Tuesday morning, Keechl, 47, raised his right hand as he was sworn in as Broward County's first openly gay mayor. For the next year, he will preside over the dais of Florida's second-most populous county (1.8 million residents).
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/story/1338816.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Bishop Jackson: What, Me Homophobic?
By Julie Bolcer
The growing list of marriage equality opponents that deny their position is rooted in homophobia includes Barry Harry Jackson, Jr. the Pentecostal minister fighting against same-sex marriage legislation in Washington, D.C.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Bishop_Jackson_What_Me_Homophobic_/
Blade Successor in Print This Friday?
By Julie Bolcer
In a Washington Post editorial on the demise of the Washington Blade, former editor Kevin Naff indicates that a successor publication could appear in print as early as this Friday.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/18/Blade_Successor_in_Print_This_Friday_/
SLC Mayor Signs Gay-Friendly Ordinances
By Christopher Mangum
Salt Lake City mayor Ralph Becker signed a pair of nondiscrimination ordinances Tuesday afternoon. "This is a great moment ... in the history of Salt Lake City," Becker told reporters, according to the Deseret News. "Part of our success as a community is all of us living together and respecting each other."
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/17/SLC_Mayor_Signs_Gay_Friendly_Ordinances/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Report: Homosexuality no factor in abusive priests
By The Associated Press
A preliminary report commissioned by the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops on the roots of the clergy sex abuse scandal found no evidence that gay priests are more likely than heterosexual clergy to molest children, the lead authors of the study said Tuesday.
http://www.365gay.com/news/report-homosexuality-no-factor-in-abusive-priests/
Lambda Legal files suit to prevent Ariz. from stripping domestic partner benefits
By 365gay Newswire
From Lambda Legal: (Tuscon, Ariz.) Lambda Legal has filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tucson to block a move to strip domestic partner benefits from gay and lesbian state employees. Arizona lawmakers included a provision stripping domestic partner health benefits from state employees as part of a last-minute budget deal signed by Governor Jan Brewer in September, while retaining spousal health benefits for heterosexual workers.
http://www.365gay.com/news/lambda-legal-files-suit-to-prevent-ariz-from-stripping-domestic-partner-benefits/
Behind the news: Washington Blade was almost saved
By 365gay Newswire
A publisher was in negotiations to buy and run the Washington Blade before it was shut down on Monday. From a press release: In response to media inquiries and an apparent information blackout by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Nicholas F. Benton, owner of the Falls Church News-Press, a Washington, D.C.-area weekly, confirmed today that his corporation, Benton Communications, Inc., had won a bid from parties that included the SBA in September to obtain the assets of the Washington Blade from its bankrupt parent company for purposes of a seamless perpetuation of the nation’s oldest gay community newspaper.
http://www.365gay.com/news/behind-the-news-washington-blade-was-almost-saved/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay superheroes star in new comic
A comic book featuring an all-LGBT team has gone on sale. Spandex is set in Brighton and features trans crime fighter Liberty and Diva, a lesbian equivalent of Wonder Woman, as they take on various villains.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/comic-features-trans-and-lesbian-characters/
Gay marriage campaign kicks off in California
The fight to win back gay marriage has begun in California. Yesterday, gay rights group Love Honor Cherish launched its campaign to get one million signatures in favour of repealing the ban.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/gay-marriage-campaign-kicks-off-in-california/
Gay policeman James Parkes expected to return to work soon
James Parkes, the gay trainee policeman who was beaten in a homophobic attack, is expected to return to work in a matter of weeks. He has been recovering from his injuries.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/gay-policeman-james-parkes-expected-to-return-to-work-soon/
Peter Tatchell to speak with former Bishop of Edinburgh tonight
Peter Tatchell will appear in conversation with Richard Holloway, the former Bishop of Edinburgh, tonight. Holloway has supported Tatchell in the past, even defending him when he appeared in court in 1998 for storming the Archbishop of Canterbury's Easter sermon.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/peter-tatchell-to-speak-with-former-bishop-of-edinburgh-tonight/
Lesbian mayor candidate in Houston 'targeted by conservatives'
Annise Parker, the frontrunning candidate for Houston's mayor, is the subject of a campaign by a conservative group to discourage residents from voting from her. They fear a "gay takeover" of City Hall.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/lesbian-mayor-candidate-in-houston-targeted-by-conservatives/
Georgia teacher 'threatened to have gay student killed'
A teacher in the US state of Georgia is accused of trying to "put a hit" on a student he thought was gay Randolph Forde, a teacher at Mundy’s Mill High School in Clayton County, has been suspended with pay after being arrested last month.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/georgia-teacher-threatened-to-have-gay-student-killed/
Adam Lambert: 'People are freaked out by male sexuality'
American Idol star Adam Lambert has said that people find his expressions of his sexuality offensive because he is gay. The star also said that promiscuity was not for him.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/adam-lambert-people-are-freaked-out-by-male-sexuality/
Follow PinkNews.co.uk on Twitter, Facebook and MyPinkNews
Sometimes we admit we're a little behind the times. Yes PinkNews.co.uk has had a Facebook application since they were invented but we haven't helped you easily follow us on Facebook or indeed Twitter or even MyPinkNews until now.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/17/follow-pinknews.co.uk-on-twitter-facebook-and-mypinknews/
Gay man killed by sparring partner he paid to fight him
A gay businessman died after being beaten by a man he paid to fight for sexual thrills, a court heard yesterday. Colin Butler, 49, suffered fractures to his head, neck and ribs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/gay-man-killed-by-sparring-partner-he-paid-to-fight-him/
Ben Elton makes gay joke about Prince Edward
Comedian Ben Elton was accused of poor taste last night after making a remark about Prince Edward's sexuality and calling the Queen "a sad old lady".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/ben-elton-makes-gay-joke-about-prince-edward/
Thief robs gay men in Brighton
Police have appealed for information to help catch a thief who befriends gay men in order to steal from them. Two men have reported having their possessions stolen by him after they invited him home.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/thief-robs-gay-men-in-brighton/
Scottish presbytery 'broke gay moratorium' by accepting gay man for training
A Church of Scotland court has upheld a complaint that a presbytery broke the moratorium on gay clergy by nominating a gay man for training as a minister. It said no new gay candidates would be taken on.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/scottish-presbytery-broke-gay-moratorium-by-accepting-gay-man-for-training/
Gay priests 'no more likely to abuse children than heterosexuals'
A study commissioned by the US Roman Catholic Church has found no evidence that gay priests are more likely to sexually abuse children than heterosexual clergy.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/gay-priests-no-more-likely-to-abuse-children-than-heterosexuals/
Exclusive: HIV film 'dangerous and misleading'
A film about HIV and what causes AIDS has been attacked for being misleading and even dangerous. HIV charities and health experts have told PinkNews.co.uk that the ideas the film promotes are "pseudo-science" and could damage the public health.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/hiv-film-dangerous-and-misleading/
Exclusive: Stonewall to fight for civil partnerships to be held in churches
Gay rights charity Stonewall said last night it will seek to add an amendment to the Equality Bill to allow religious buildings such as churches to hold civil partnership ceremonies.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/18/exclusive-stonewall-to-fight-for-civil-partnerships-to-be-held-in-churches/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Will Gay Bloggers’ Boycott of Democrats Get Traction?
Joe Siegel \ EDGE New England Editor \ EDGE Boston
How effective would an LGBT boycott of an organization, a big, a very big organization, be? We’re about to find out–if, that is, enough people agree. In an effort to motivate the Democrats in Congress to move faster on LGBT civil rights issues, a coalition of progressive bloggers have launched a boycott of the Democratic National Committee, Organizing for America, and the Obama administration.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11555/
Prevaricating Pastors: Mendacious Ministers Prove It’s Still Legal to be Bigots
Rob Boston \ Talk 2 Action
It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the Religious Right. Through my work at Americans United, I’ve opposed this movement for 22 years and have written three books challenging the Religious Right’s perspective.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11556/
Frank, Bladwin, Polis Make “Out 100″ List
Out100
Where are our “fierce advocates?” They’re in the United States House of Representatives. Frank, Baldwin, and Polis (left to right) form a powerful, out triumvirate, wielding influence over the economy, social welfare, labor, and education. Frank’s was one of few steady hands on the rudder of the failing U.S. economy during the 2008 credit crisis. He helped midwife the bailouts and stimulus package many say were crucial to avoiding a Great Depression redux.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11557/
TX: It’s Time to Disavow the Politics of Discrimination and Bigotry
Houston Chronicle
A band of socially conservative activists and ministers has injected intolerance into Houston’s mayoral election. As reported Saturday by the Chronicle’s Bradley Olson, the group plans to discourage voters from supporting City Controller Annise Parker in the Dec. 12 runoff because she is a lesbian, and because they’re worried about a “gay takeover” of City Hall.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11558/
Suspects Arrested in Horrific Puerto Rico Hate Crime; NYC Vigil Planned
By Jennifer Vanasco
A suspect has been arrested in the Puerto Rico murder and decapitation of gay teenager Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, according to an iReport by Christopher Pagan.: The main suspect of the cruel murder of a young homosexual found in the area of Guavate Cayey, was arrested this morning and shall be taken to a judge today to face charges, confirmed the press of the Puerto Rico Police, Damaris Periera.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11559/
Indian Prince Creating Change
Southern Star
When Crown Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of the Indian state of Rajpipla arrived in Australia it marked his first visit to Australia. However, rather than coming to relax or take in the country’s famous landmarks, his trip is purely professional.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11565/
HIV Film ‘Dangerous and Misleading’
Jessica Geen \ Pink News
A film about HIV and what causes AIDS has been attacked for being misleading and even dangerous.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11566/
Why Approval Matters
John Corvino \ Independent Gay Forum
It’s November, which means bookstores have next year’s calendars on display. When I was a teenager, this annual occurrence unnerved me. The “male interest” calendars”—think “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model of the Month”—held no appeal for me. Instead, I would nervously reach for a Chippendales calendar, hiding it behind something innocuously themed (race cars, puppies, whatever) so that I could stare admiringly at half-naked men. As soon as I noticed anyone approaching, I would throw both calendars back on the shelf and dart out of the store.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11582/
MO: WORLD AIDS DAY
For more information on World AIDS Day, visit www.worldaidscampaign.org/St.Louis
Acclaimed artist-activist honors World AIDS Day with an American tour of intimacies, a groundbreaking theatre piece that he wrote and performed twenty years ago. The Gateway Men’s Chorus, under direction of Dr. Jeffrey Carter, will open the show. Show begins at 8:00pm, tickets are available at the door, all seating is general admission, audience members choose to pay $10-$25 to see the show; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. - Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis - 1919 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104. For more information, please visit www.uppityco.com or call 314.995.4600.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11581/
MO: Transgender Day of Remembrance
TRANSGENDER DAY OF Remembrance
For more information on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, visit www.transgenderdor.org St. Louis
Wednesday, November 18th
8:00pm - Transgender Day of Remembrance Service - St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3664 Arsenal St.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11580/
CA: The San Diego LGBT Center Events
50 and Better LGBT Senior Survey
Our seniors are our history and our heroes. They deserve our respect, our support and, when necessary, our help. This requires that we develop a real understanding of our seniors’ lives and of their needs. In order to help us do that, The Center is asking community members who are 50 and better to take part in the 50 and Better LGBT Senior Survey. If you’re 50 or better, take the survey now.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11578/
Press Conference Denounces Expansion of Hate Crimes, Coalition Presents Memo to Representative of Attorney General
To: National Desk Contact: Misty Allmond, 936-560-3900, visionamerica1@yahoo.com
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 /Christian Newswire/ — From 1 to 3 pm today, a coalition of concerned Christians held a press conference outside of the Justice Department in Washington. D.C., decrying the recent expansion of federal hate-crimes legislation to include homosexuals, and contending that this will result in the persecution of Bible-believing Christians.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11577/
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Ft. Lauderdale: White House to Host AIDS Town Hall Meeting November 20
The White House Office of National AIDS Policy will host a town hall meeting
at Dillard High School, 2501 N.W. 11 Street, Fort Lauderdale on Friday,
November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This is one of 14 Town Hall Forums being held
across the country, including Puerto Rico. The Broward County Community
Partnerships Division is coordinating the event. The purpose of this
meeting is to receive input from the South Florida community as part of the
development of the nation's first National HIV/AIDS Strategy to end
HIV/AIDS. These community discussion forums will provide opportunities for
individual residents to dialogue and provide White House staff and other
policy makers with recommendations for achieving President Barack Obama's
three goals for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy:
· Reducing HIV incidence
· Increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes
· Reducing HIV-related health disparities
Participants will have 1 minute and 30 seconds to share their
recommendations. To help prepare for the community forum, participants are
encouraged to download worksheets on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy at
https://www.cmpinc.net/onap/registration.aspx
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, November 09, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - November 09, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?
By Katherine Schulten
This question is the headline of an article by Jan Hoffman about how “a growing number of teenagers have been dressing to articulate — or confound — gender identity and sexual orientation.” Should schools prohibit kids from dressing like the opposite sex? Do you think kids today are less bound by rules about what boys should wear and what girls should wear?
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/can-a-boy-wear-a-skirt-to-school/?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
Government & Politics
After a major setback in Maine last week, gay rights advocates and their opponents are shifting their focus to New York, where Gov. David A. Paterson has called legislators to Albany on Tuesday and asked them to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. [NYT]
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/bronx-neighborhood-struggles-after-halloween-fire/?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
GUEST BLOGGER: Steven Brint
Evangelical Protestant denominations accounted for 85 percent of all U.S. churches in 1860, according to the historian Mark Noll. Today, evangelicals represent about 25 percent of the U.S. adult population, a distinct minority in a landscape populated not only by Catholics (who rival them in numbers), mainline Protestants, and Jews -- but also increasing numbers of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/11/every_election_cycle_the_polit.html/
On Election Day, a win for government
By E.J. Dionne, Jr.
Here's a story you may have missed because it flies in the face of the dreary conventional wisdom: When advocates of public programs take on the right-wing anti-government crowd directly, the government-haters lose.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/08/AR2009110817810.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Newly formed SAVE Dade Women’s Committee holds meet-and-greet in Coral Gables
From Elaine de Valle: The newly formed SAVE Dade Women's Committee had their first event, a meet and greet at Da Vittorio in Coral Gables before the Seraphic Fire concert, a treat for the nonprofit organization's biggest supporters.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/newly-formed-save-dade-womens-committee-holds-meet-and-greet-in-coral-gables.html/
Photo gallery | Hundreds turn out for GLAAD’s Red Carpet Gala in South Florida
Hundreds of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) supporters gathered Saturday night in the Fort Lauderdale waterfront estate of John Evans and Steve Wozencraft for the Red Carpet Gala in South Florida. GLAAD’s new president, Fort Lauderdale-born Jarrett Tomás Barrios, above right, mingled with guests throughout the evening.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/photo-gallery-hundreds-turn-out-for-glaads-red-carpet-gala-in-south-florida.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Vatican on Anglicans: celibacy rule unchanged
By FRANCES D'EMILIO
Associated Press Writer
VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican on Monday confirmed that opening the door to married Anglican priests doesn't mean the Roman Catholic church is easing the requirement for celibacy for its clergy.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1324037.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Prejean a No-Show at Family Values Event
By Julie Bolcer
Disgraced former Miss California, Carrie Prejean, failed to make a scheduled appearance on Friday at an awards event and fund-raiser for the conservative New Jersey Family Policy Council, an absence likely attributable to revelations last week about her sex tape.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Prejean_a_No-show_at_Family_Values_Event/
Straight Exes: Legalize Gay Marriage
By Julie Bolcer
The chorus of voices calling for marriage equality in Washington, D.C. includes ex-spouses of gay people. They argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage would help avert the pain and disappointment of marrying a partner who later comes out as gay.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Straight_Ex-spouses__Legalize_Gay_Marriage/
Fraternal Kiss Restored on Berlin Wall
By Julie Bolcer
The famous painting of the fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and his East German counterpart, Erich Honecker, has been restored on the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Fraternal_Kiss_Restored_on_Berlin_Wall/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
NY gov says he has done everything he can for gay marriage
By Jennifer Vanasco, editor in chief, 365gay.com
New York Gov. David Paterson says he has done everything he could do to get equal marriage in New York, he told Towleroad this weekend.
http://www.365gay.com/news/ny-gov-says-he-has-done-everything-he-can-for-gay-marriage/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Men jailed for blackmailing gay civil servant
A gay civil servant was blackmailed for over £5,300 after accidentally sending suggestive text messages to two men in April.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/gay-civil-servant-blackmailed-for-suggestive-texts/
Three Iranian men on death row for homosexuality offences
Three Iranian men are thought to be facing the death penalty for having homosexual relations. The men, named as Nemat Safavi, Mehdi P and Moshen G, have been on death row for three years and allegedly committed the crimes while under the age of 18.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/three-iranian-men-on-death-row-for-homosexuality-offences-2/
OutRage! calls for tolerance over gay cruising in Manchester
Gay men meeting for sex in public places in Manchester should be tolerated, not arrested, gay rights group OutRage! has said. Cruisers in the canal area have been warned they may face arrest if caught.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/outrage-calls-for-tolerance-for-gay-cruising-in-manchester/
Sweden ordains first openly lesbian bishop
Eva Brunne, Sweden's first openly lesbian bishop, has been sworn into her new role. Brunne, 55, who is in a registered partnership and has a three-year-old son, is also believed to be the world's first lesbian bishop.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/sweden-ordains-first-openly-lesbian-bishop/
Sex tape causes more embarrassment for anti-gay Miss California
Carrie Prejean, the Miss California who told the world she did not believe in gay marriage, has been rocked by a sex tape scandal. The beauty queen and her mother were apparently shown the tape by pageant organisers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/sex-tape-causes-more-embarrassment-for-anti-gay-miss-california/
Washington voters approve expanded gay rights
Gay rights advocates have claimed a victory in Washington where the latest tally shows the state's voters opted to allow increased rights for gay couples.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/washington-voters-approve-expanded-gay-rights/
Man jailed for six years for gay chatline robberies
A 27-year-old man who admitted using gay chatlines to find men to rob has been sentenced to six years in prison.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/man-jailed-for-six-years-for-gay-chatline-robberies/
Calling PinkNews readers to compete on the BBC's 'A Question of Genius'
The BBC is keen to recruit LGBT contestants to take part in the second series of 'A Question of Genius' presented by Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/calling-pinknews-readers-to-compete-on-the-bbcs-a-question-of-genius/
Sir Ian McKellen and Boy George to attend benefit evening for gay homeless charity
Sir Ian McKellen will appear at a benefit evening for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) on Sunday evening. The actor and TV presenter and star of Shameless Anthony Crank will be hosting an auction, with lots of prizes including an oil portrait of Sir Ian by the artist Anthony Lawrence.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/sir-ian-mckellen-and-boy-george-to-attend-benefit-evening-for-gay-homeless-charity/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
GLBT History Month 2010 Nominations
Equality Forum
Equality Forum is accepting nominations for GLBT History Month 2010 Icons. Nominations should be submitted to nominations@equalityforum.com. The deadline is Friday, December 18, 2009. The criteria are a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person, living or deceased, who has distinguished him or herself in their field of endeavor, is a national hero, or has made a significant contribution to GLBT civil rights. To view the list of 124 Icons from 2006-2009, visit archives at glbtHistoryMonth.com.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11292/
An Open Letter to German Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Honorable Guido Westerwelle
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor
Federal Republic of Germany
Dear Minister Westerwelle:
On behalf of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, Inc. (IRQR), I wish to first of all congratulate you on your appointment as Germany’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor. We take particular pride in your appointment since you achieved success without hiding your own sexual orientation and relationship with another man.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11291/
Are You Normal?
Michele O’Mara \ Bilerico Project
Imagine that all humans were produced on a production line of various human production factories around the world. Would all of the non-heterosexuals just be plucked right off the conveyor belt and tossed in to a pile labeled defects? Most of us, gay or not, are raised to believe that non-heterosexuals are some sort of alternate human design (the design without the standard human feature known as heterosexuality). And this design is considered a deviation from the “normal” human design, which suggests that non-heterosexuals are defective. Or worse yet, not normal.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11290/
House Health Care Bill Includes “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity”
Bil Browning \ Bilerico Project
When the House of Representatives passed their version of health care reform last night, sexual orientation and gender identity were defined [pdf] as groups likely to “experience significant gaps in disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.” Hat tip to Jill for pointing it out.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11289/
NJ: Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage Escalates
Jeff Diamant \ STAR-LEDGER STAFF \ NJ.com
The radio ad, warning that same-sex marriage would send the wrong message to children, played over a loudspeaker in a church gym Thursday in Asbury Park, as 200 gay-rights supporters listened in silence at a post-Election Day “emergency action” meeting.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11288/
The Number: 59%–Gays in Military
Deseret News
During the campaign, President Obama promised to reverse the current policy on gays in the military, “don’t ask, don’t tell.” To date, the president has not taken action and his secretary of defense has said publicly that the policy change has been pushed down the road. Most Americans (59%) favor allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and have said so at similar levels since 2005. A third of Americans (32%) oppose allowing gays to serve openly. While Democrats (65% to 25%) and independents (62% to 30%) support allowing gays to serve openly by more than two-to-one margins, Republicans are split on the issue (45% to 48%). Moderate and liberal Republicans support allowing gays to serve openly (62% to 30%) while conservative Republicans are strongly opposed (57%).
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11287/
HUD Combats Discrimination Against Gays
Bob Tedeschi \ Deseret News
In recent years, state and local governments have enacted laws to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered people seeking mortgages and housing. Now the federal government is poised to do the same with regulations that would cover loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11286/
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Broward County, Florida
[Gay] Vice Mayor Ken Keechl Earns Endorsement of Unite Here Local 355
Fort Lauderdale – Vice Mayor Ken Keechl has been endorsed by Unite Here Local 355 in his campaign for re-election as Broward County Commissioner in District 4. On behalf of the 5,000 hotel, food service and casino workers, the officers of Local 355 stated, "Your commitment to working with the men and women of Broward County has made a difference in their lives." The union has pledged to help Vice Mayor Keechl with his re-election efforts. "This endorsement is significant because it highlights how important it is to me to serve all the citizens of Broward County," said Vice Mayor Keechl. "I appreciate the many hours the volunteers of Unite Here Local 355
dedicated to my election, and welcome them warmly to my campaign for re-election." The election will be held on November 12, 2010.
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?
By Katherine Schulten
This question is the headline of an article by Jan Hoffman about how “a growing number of teenagers have been dressing to articulate — or confound — gender identity and sexual orientation.” Should schools prohibit kids from dressing like the opposite sex? Do you think kids today are less bound by rules about what boys should wear and what girls should wear?
http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/can-a-boy-wear-a-skirt-to-school/?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
Government & Politics
After a major setback in Maine last week, gay rights advocates and their opponents are shifting their focus to New York, where Gov. David A. Paterson has called legislators to Albany on Tuesday and asked them to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. [NYT]
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/bronx-neighborhood-struggles-after-halloween-fire/?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
GUEST BLOGGER: Steven Brint
Evangelical Protestant denominations accounted for 85 percent of all U.S. churches in 1860, according to the historian Mark Noll. Today, evangelicals represent about 25 percent of the U.S. adult population, a distinct minority in a landscape populated not only by Catholics (who rival them in numbers), mainline Protestants, and Jews -- but also increasing numbers of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/11/every_election_cycle_the_polit.html/
On Election Day, a win for government
By E.J. Dionne, Jr.
Here's a story you may have missed because it flies in the face of the dreary conventional wisdom: When advocates of public programs take on the right-wing anti-government crowd directly, the government-haters lose.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/08/AR2009110817810.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Newly formed SAVE Dade Women’s Committee holds meet-and-greet in Coral Gables
From Elaine de Valle: The newly formed SAVE Dade Women's Committee had their first event, a meet and greet at Da Vittorio in Coral Gables before the Seraphic Fire concert, a treat for the nonprofit organization's biggest supporters.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/newly-formed-save-dade-womens-committee-holds-meet-and-greet-in-coral-gables.html/
Photo gallery | Hundreds turn out for GLAAD’s Red Carpet Gala in South Florida
Hundreds of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) supporters gathered Saturday night in the Fort Lauderdale waterfront estate of John Evans and Steve Wozencraft for the Red Carpet Gala in South Florida. GLAAD’s new president, Fort Lauderdale-born Jarrett Tomás Barrios, above right, mingled with guests throughout the evening.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/photo-gallery-hundreds-turn-out-for-glaads-red-carpet-gala-in-south-florida.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Vatican on Anglicans: celibacy rule unchanged
By FRANCES D'EMILIO
Associated Press Writer
VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican on Monday confirmed that opening the door to married Anglican priests doesn't mean the Roman Catholic church is easing the requirement for celibacy for its clergy.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1324037.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Prejean a No-Show at Family Values Event
By Julie Bolcer
Disgraced former Miss California, Carrie Prejean, failed to make a scheduled appearance on Friday at an awards event and fund-raiser for the conservative New Jersey Family Policy Council, an absence likely attributable to revelations last week about her sex tape.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Prejean_a_No-show_at_Family_Values_Event/
Straight Exes: Legalize Gay Marriage
By Julie Bolcer
The chorus of voices calling for marriage equality in Washington, D.C. includes ex-spouses of gay people. They argue that the legalization of same-sex marriage would help avert the pain and disappointment of marrying a partner who later comes out as gay.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Straight_Ex-spouses__Legalize_Gay_Marriage/
Fraternal Kiss Restored on Berlin Wall
By Julie Bolcer
The famous painting of the fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and his East German counterpart, Erich Honecker, has been restored on the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/09/Fraternal_Kiss_Restored_on_Berlin_Wall/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
NY gov says he has done everything he can for gay marriage
By Jennifer Vanasco, editor in chief, 365gay.com
New York Gov. David Paterson says he has done everything he could do to get equal marriage in New York, he told Towleroad this weekend.
http://www.365gay.com/news/ny-gov-says-he-has-done-everything-he-can-for-gay-marriage/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Men jailed for blackmailing gay civil servant
A gay civil servant was blackmailed for over £5,300 after accidentally sending suggestive text messages to two men in April.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/gay-civil-servant-blackmailed-for-suggestive-texts/
Three Iranian men on death row for homosexuality offences
Three Iranian men are thought to be facing the death penalty for having homosexual relations. The men, named as Nemat Safavi, Mehdi P and Moshen G, have been on death row for three years and allegedly committed the crimes while under the age of 18.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/three-iranian-men-on-death-row-for-homosexuality-offences-2/
OutRage! calls for tolerance over gay cruising in Manchester
Gay men meeting for sex in public places in Manchester should be tolerated, not arrested, gay rights group OutRage! has said. Cruisers in the canal area have been warned they may face arrest if caught.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/outrage-calls-for-tolerance-for-gay-cruising-in-manchester/
Sweden ordains first openly lesbian bishop
Eva Brunne, Sweden's first openly lesbian bishop, has been sworn into her new role. Brunne, 55, who is in a registered partnership and has a three-year-old son, is also believed to be the world's first lesbian bishop.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/sweden-ordains-first-openly-lesbian-bishop/
Sex tape causes more embarrassment for anti-gay Miss California
Carrie Prejean, the Miss California who told the world she did not believe in gay marriage, has been rocked by a sex tape scandal. The beauty queen and her mother were apparently shown the tape by pageant organisers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/sex-tape-causes-more-embarrassment-for-anti-gay-miss-california/
Washington voters approve expanded gay rights
Gay rights advocates have claimed a victory in Washington where the latest tally shows the state's voters opted to allow increased rights for gay couples.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/washington-voters-approve-expanded-gay-rights/
Man jailed for six years for gay chatline robberies
A 27-year-old man who admitted using gay chatlines to find men to rob has been sentenced to six years in prison.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/man-jailed-for-six-years-for-gay-chatline-robberies/
Calling PinkNews readers to compete on the BBC's 'A Question of Genius'
The BBC is keen to recruit LGBT contestants to take part in the second series of 'A Question of Genius' presented by Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/calling-pinknews-readers-to-compete-on-the-bbcs-a-question-of-genius/
Sir Ian McKellen and Boy George to attend benefit evening for gay homeless charity
Sir Ian McKellen will appear at a benefit evening for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) on Sunday evening. The actor and TV presenter and star of Shameless Anthony Crank will be hosting an auction, with lots of prizes including an oil portrait of Sir Ian by the artist Anthony Lawrence.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/sir-ian-mckellen-and-boy-george-to-attend-benefit-evening-for-gay-homeless-charity/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
GLBT History Month 2010 Nominations
Equality Forum
Equality Forum is accepting nominations for GLBT History Month 2010 Icons. Nominations should be submitted to nominations@equalityforum.com. The deadline is Friday, December 18, 2009. The criteria are a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person, living or deceased, who has distinguished him or herself in their field of endeavor, is a national hero, or has made a significant contribution to GLBT civil rights. To view the list of 124 Icons from 2006-2009, visit archives at glbtHistoryMonth.com.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11292/
An Open Letter to German Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Honorable Guido Westerwelle
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor
Federal Republic of Germany
Dear Minister Westerwelle:
On behalf of the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees, Inc. (IRQR), I wish to first of all congratulate you on your appointment as Germany’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor. We take particular pride in your appointment since you achieved success without hiding your own sexual orientation and relationship with another man.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11291/
Are You Normal?
Michele O’Mara \ Bilerico Project
Imagine that all humans were produced on a production line of various human production factories around the world. Would all of the non-heterosexuals just be plucked right off the conveyor belt and tossed in to a pile labeled defects? Most of us, gay or not, are raised to believe that non-heterosexuals are some sort of alternate human design (the design without the standard human feature known as heterosexuality). And this design is considered a deviation from the “normal” human design, which suggests that non-heterosexuals are defective. Or worse yet, not normal.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11290/
House Health Care Bill Includes “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity”
Bil Browning \ Bilerico Project
When the House of Representatives passed their version of health care reform last night, sexual orientation and gender identity were defined [pdf] as groups likely to “experience significant gaps in disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.” Hat tip to Jill for pointing it out.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11289/
NJ: Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage Escalates
Jeff Diamant \ STAR-LEDGER STAFF \ NJ.com
The radio ad, warning that same-sex marriage would send the wrong message to children, played over a loudspeaker in a church gym Thursday in Asbury Park, as 200 gay-rights supporters listened in silence at a post-Election Day “emergency action” meeting.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11288/
The Number: 59%–Gays in Military
Deseret News
During the campaign, President Obama promised to reverse the current policy on gays in the military, “don’t ask, don’t tell.” To date, the president has not taken action and his secretary of defense has said publicly that the policy change has been pushed down the road. Most Americans (59%) favor allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and have said so at similar levels since 2005. A third of Americans (32%) oppose allowing gays to serve openly. While Democrats (65% to 25%) and independents (62% to 30%) support allowing gays to serve openly by more than two-to-one margins, Republicans are split on the issue (45% to 48%). Moderate and liberal Republicans support allowing gays to serve openly (62% to 30%) while conservative Republicans are strongly opposed (57%).
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11287/
HUD Combats Discrimination Against Gays
Bob Tedeschi \ Deseret News
In recent years, state and local governments have enacted laws to combat discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered people seeking mortgages and housing. Now the federal government is poised to do the same with regulations that would cover loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11286/
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Broward County, Florida
[Gay] Vice Mayor Ken Keechl Earns Endorsement of Unite Here Local 355
Fort Lauderdale – Vice Mayor Ken Keechl has been endorsed by Unite Here Local 355 in his campaign for re-election as Broward County Commissioner in District 4. On behalf of the 5,000 hotel, food service and casino workers, the officers of Local 355 stated, "Your commitment to working with the men and women of Broward County has made a difference in their lives." The union has pledged to help Vice Mayor Keechl with his re-election efforts. "This endorsement is significant because it highlights how important it is to me to serve all the citizens of Broward County," said Vice Mayor Keechl. "I appreciate the many hours the volunteers of Unite Here Local 355
dedicated to my election, and welcome them warmly to my campaign for re-election." The election will be held on November 12, 2010.
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
GLBT DIGEST - November 08, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Questions for Robert Duncan
Is This Bishop Catholic?
By DEBORAH SOLOMON
As the archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, you are known as the leader of a conservative — and even ultraright — movement that was founded last year in a break from the Episcopal Church. Do you plan to convert to Catholicism now that Pope Benedict has opened his doors to Anglicans?
I wouldn’t characterize us as ultraright. We don’t beat up folks. We are sort of mainstream right. I am very pleased that the Vatican has done this, but my call now is to lead all those Anglicans who stand where Anglicans have always stood.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/magazine/08fob-q4-t.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=cse/
Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?
By JAN HOFFMAN
BY now, most high school dress codes have just about done away with the guesswork. Girls: no midriff-baring blouses, stiletto heels, miniskirts. Boys: no sagging pants, muscle shirts. But do the math.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/fashion/08cross.html?sq=gay&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=5&adxnnlx=1257688845-ulTkqonLyRSbORonJ0AzwA/
Equality’s Ragged March
Last Tuesday’s Election Day results showed how far the nation has traveled in the struggle for gay equality — and the distance still to go. The returns also added fresh urgency to promising efforts in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/opinion/08sun2.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
The Way We Live Now
What’s Good for the Kids
By LISA BELKIN
It has been apparent for a while now that we live in child-centric times. We approach parenting with a single-mindedness that baffles our own parents, and certainly their parents, who thought children should be seen and not heard. We think it’s just fine to put our kids ahead of our careers, our relationships, our social lives, and even if we aren’t doing so, everyone around us seems to be.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/magazine/08fob-wwln-t.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
McDonnell's Winning Model
By Lee Hockstader
Bob McDonnell's lopsided win in Virginia's gubernatorial election was the victory of an agile, disciplined, focused and attractive Republican against an unpolished Democrat who ran a lackluster campaign. It also rewarded a shrewd judgment by McDonnell, who drew the right conclusion from the Republican defeat in the 2005 race for governor, and from a string of other GOP failures in the state -- even as party leaders drew the exact opposite lesson.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110603619.html/
A quiet voice for gay marriage
Legalization could avert doomed relationships, straight ex-spouses say
By Theresa Vargas
If anyone could have talked himself out of being gay, Kimberly Brooks said, it was her husband. He wanted to be straight; she wanted him to be straight. She once followed his gaze across the beach to another man but quickly dismissed the thought. No, he couldn't be. Then he started spending more time with one particular friend, and an unease pushed Brooks to ask the question that ultimately confirmed her fears: Was that friend gay?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110602953.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Joan Rivers brings laughs to Miami’s Arsht Center on Wednesday
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Her face has, hmmm, changed over the years, but the way she talks is vintage Joan Rivers.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/joan-rivers-brings-laughs-to-miamis-arsht-center-on-wednesday.html/
HRC Back Story blog: House passes health reform bill with key LGBT provisions
Michael Cole
Late this evening, the House passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, by a vote of 220 to 215. While this is a historic step toward improving health care for all Americans, it is also a tremendous advance for the health needs of LGBT people. HRC lobbied the three committees involved in drafting the bill to include provisions that would help LGBT people in particular obtain the improved access to health care that the Act is designed to provide. Some of these measures have been part of HRC’s legislative agenda as free-standing bills for many years. The key provisions in the bill that the House passed are:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/hrc-back-story-blog-house-passes-health-reform-bill-with-key-lgbt-provisions.html/
Jesse’s Journal: Kevin Jennings and the antigay witch hunt
BY JESSE MONTEAGUDO
In May 2009 President Barack Obama appointed Kevin Jennings to the post of Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education and Director of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools at the U.S. Department of Education (the so-called “safe schools czar.”) The openly gay Jennings (b. 1963) is uniquely qualified for this job. After years of distinguished service as a teacher and youth counselor, Jennings founded (1990) the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). In 1992 Massachusetts Governor William Weld (a Republican) appointed Jennings to co-chair the Education Committee of the Governor’s Commission of Gay and Lesbian Youth. Jennings has written several books addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and teachers, including the Lambda Award-winning anthology Telling Tales Out of School (1998). “It has been said that one person can start a revolution and, in the case of Kevin Jennings, ... that has never been more profoundly true,” biographer Victoria Shannon wrote in glbtq.com. “For nearly twenty years, Jennings has campaigned all over the country to educate glbtq and straight teachers, parents, students, and community members about ending bias in the nation’s K-12 schools.”
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/jesses-journal-kevin-jennings-and-the-antigay-witch-hunt.html/
New York Times: Obama healthcare plan would provide tax relief for gay domestic partners
The New York Times on Saturday reports that President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan includes tax relief for gay couples:
Supporters of gay rights have long been trying to change the tax treatment of health benefits provided by employers to the domestic partners of their employees. In effect, such benefits are now treated as taxable income for the employee, and the employer may owe payroll taxes on their fair-market value.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/new-york-times-obama-healthcare-plan-would-provide-tax-relief-for-gay-domestic-partners.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Author Stuart E. Weisberg on Rep. Barney Frank -- a Miami Book Fair International Q & A
Miami Book Fair International 2009 runs Nov. 8-15 at Miami Dade College. Stuart E. Weisberg, author of ``Barney Frank: The Story of America's Only Left-Handed, Gay, Jewish Congressman'' (University of Massachusetts Press, $30 hardback), appears Saturday, Nov. 14.
I asked Weisberg these questions about Frank:
Q: How long have you known Barney Frank? Are you social friends or business acquaintances?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/author-stuart-e-weisberg-on-rep-barney-frank----a-miami-book-fair-international-q-a.html/
Here's to Maine
I wish to congratulate the voters of Maine, a liberal state, for rejecting the counterfeit and oxymoronic notion of ``same-sex marriage.''
The vote is significant because we are dealing with forced affirmation of homosexuality under penalty of law. This is a historic battle for the minds and souls of our children. Gay marriage has now lost in all 31 states in which the question has been put to a popular vote. The time has come for a federal constitutional amendment banning homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
GERRY JONES, Miami
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/1320912.html/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Stephen Gately's partner Andrew Cowles appears at Stonewall awards
Andrew Cowles, the civil partner of the late Boyzone star Stephen Gately, made his first public appearance last night at the Stonewall awards since the singer died four weeks ago.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/stephen-gatelys-partner-andrew-cowles-appears-at-stonewall-awards/
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir wins Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Jan Moir, the Daily Mail columnist whose column on the death of gay Boyzone singer Stephen Gately provoked widespread anger, won the Stonewall Bigot of the Year Awards last night jointly with Father John Owen, the priest who said most paedophiles were gay.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/daily-mail-columnist-jan-moir-wins-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage in NJ Takes on New Urgency
Jeff Diamant/The Star-Ledger
The radio ad, warning that same-sex marriage would send the wrong message to children, played over a loudspeaker in a church gym Thursday in Asbury Park, as 200 gay-rights supporters listened in silence at a post-Election Day “emergency action” meeting.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11273/
Same-Sex Marriage Debate Scheduled at CSU-Pueblo
GAYLE PEREZ \ THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Two of the nation’s top experts in the ongoing controversy over whether to allow same-sex marriage will debate the issue Wednesday at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Glenn Stanton, a senior analyst for Marriage and Sexuality and the director of social research and cultural affairs at Focus on the Family, will speak in opposition of same-sex marriage.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11272/
TX: TABC to Change Way it Investigates Use of Excessive Force
Danny Robbins \ ASSOCIATED PRESS \ Austin Statesman
Texas’ liquor board plans to change the way it conducts investigations into allegations of excessive use of force, the agency said Thursday, after its agents were accused of wrongdoing during a raid at a gay bar that left a customer with severe head wounds.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11271/
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JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
House Votes To Expand Homebuyer Tax Credit
The House votes 403-12 to extend and expand the tax credit to include many more buyers. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama.
http://www.justnews.com/money/21527762/detail.html?treets=mia&tml=mia_natlbreak&ts=T&tmi=mia_natlbreak_1_01500111052009/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Questions for Robert Duncan
Is This Bishop Catholic?
By DEBORAH SOLOMON
As the archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, you are known as the leader of a conservative — and even ultraright — movement that was founded last year in a break from the Episcopal Church. Do you plan to convert to Catholicism now that Pope Benedict has opened his doors to Anglicans?
I wouldn’t characterize us as ultraright. We don’t beat up folks. We are sort of mainstream right. I am very pleased that the Vatican has done this, but my call now is to lead all those Anglicans who stand where Anglicans have always stood.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/magazine/08fob-q4-t.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=cse/
Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?
By JAN HOFFMAN
BY now, most high school dress codes have just about done away with the guesswork. Girls: no midriff-baring blouses, stiletto heels, miniskirts. Boys: no sagging pants, muscle shirts. But do the math.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/fashion/08cross.html?sq=gay&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=5&adxnnlx=1257688845-ulTkqonLyRSbORonJ0AzwA/
Equality’s Ragged March
Last Tuesday’s Election Day results showed how far the nation has traveled in the struggle for gay equality — and the distance still to go. The returns also added fresh urgency to promising efforts in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/opinion/08sun2.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
The Way We Live Now
What’s Good for the Kids
By LISA BELKIN
It has been apparent for a while now that we live in child-centric times. We approach parenting with a single-mindedness that baffles our own parents, and certainly their parents, who thought children should be seen and not heard. We think it’s just fine to put our kids ahead of our careers, our relationships, our social lives, and even if we aren’t doing so, everyone around us seems to be.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/magazine/08fob-wwln-t.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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McDonnell's Winning Model
By Lee Hockstader
Bob McDonnell's lopsided win in Virginia's gubernatorial election was the victory of an agile, disciplined, focused and attractive Republican against an unpolished Democrat who ran a lackluster campaign. It also rewarded a shrewd judgment by McDonnell, who drew the right conclusion from the Republican defeat in the 2005 race for governor, and from a string of other GOP failures in the state -- even as party leaders drew the exact opposite lesson.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110603619.html/
A quiet voice for gay marriage
Legalization could avert doomed relationships, straight ex-spouses say
By Theresa Vargas
If anyone could have talked himself out of being gay, Kimberly Brooks said, it was her husband. He wanted to be straight; she wanted him to be straight. She once followed his gaze across the beach to another man but quickly dismissed the thought. No, he couldn't be. Then he started spending more time with one particular friend, and an unease pushed Brooks to ask the question that ultimately confirmed her fears: Was that friend gay?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/06/AR2009110602953.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Joan Rivers brings laughs to Miami’s Arsht Center on Wednesday
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Her face has, hmmm, changed over the years, but the way she talks is vintage Joan Rivers.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/joan-rivers-brings-laughs-to-miamis-arsht-center-on-wednesday.html/
HRC Back Story blog: House passes health reform bill with key LGBT provisions
Michael Cole
Late this evening, the House passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, by a vote of 220 to 215. While this is a historic step toward improving health care for all Americans, it is also a tremendous advance for the health needs of LGBT people. HRC lobbied the three committees involved in drafting the bill to include provisions that would help LGBT people in particular obtain the improved access to health care that the Act is designed to provide. Some of these measures have been part of HRC’s legislative agenda as free-standing bills for many years. The key provisions in the bill that the House passed are:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/hrc-back-story-blog-house-passes-health-reform-bill-with-key-lgbt-provisions.html/
Jesse’s Journal: Kevin Jennings and the antigay witch hunt
BY JESSE MONTEAGUDO
In May 2009 President Barack Obama appointed Kevin Jennings to the post of Assistant Deputy Secretary of Education and Director of the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools at the U.S. Department of Education (the so-called “safe schools czar.”) The openly gay Jennings (b. 1963) is uniquely qualified for this job. After years of distinguished service as a teacher and youth counselor, Jennings founded (1990) the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). In 1992 Massachusetts Governor William Weld (a Republican) appointed Jennings to co-chair the Education Committee of the Governor’s Commission of Gay and Lesbian Youth. Jennings has written several books addressing the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and teachers, including the Lambda Award-winning anthology Telling Tales Out of School (1998). “It has been said that one person can start a revolution and, in the case of Kevin Jennings, ... that has never been more profoundly true,” biographer Victoria Shannon wrote in glbtq.com. “For nearly twenty years, Jennings has campaigned all over the country to educate glbtq and straight teachers, parents, students, and community members about ending bias in the nation’s K-12 schools.”
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/jesses-journal-kevin-jennings-and-the-antigay-witch-hunt.html/
New York Times: Obama healthcare plan would provide tax relief for gay domestic partners
The New York Times on Saturday reports that President Barack Obama’s healthcare plan includes tax relief for gay couples:
Supporters of gay rights have long been trying to change the tax treatment of health benefits provided by employers to the domestic partners of their employees. In effect, such benefits are now treated as taxable income for the employee, and the employer may owe payroll taxes on their fair-market value.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/new-york-times-obama-healthcare-plan-would-provide-tax-relief-for-gay-domestic-partners.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Author Stuart E. Weisberg on Rep. Barney Frank -- a Miami Book Fair International Q & A
Miami Book Fair International 2009 runs Nov. 8-15 at Miami Dade College. Stuart E. Weisberg, author of ``Barney Frank: The Story of America's Only Left-Handed, Gay, Jewish Congressman'' (University of Massachusetts Press, $30 hardback), appears Saturday, Nov. 14.
I asked Weisberg these questions about Frank:
Q: How long have you known Barney Frank? Are you social friends or business acquaintances?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/author-stuart-e-weisberg-on-rep-barney-frank----a-miami-book-fair-international-q-a.html/
Here's to Maine
I wish to congratulate the voters of Maine, a liberal state, for rejecting the counterfeit and oxymoronic notion of ``same-sex marriage.''
The vote is significant because we are dealing with forced affirmation of homosexuality under penalty of law. This is a historic battle for the minds and souls of our children. Gay marriage has now lost in all 31 states in which the question has been put to a popular vote. The time has come for a federal constitutional amendment banning homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
GERRY JONES, Miami
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters/story/1320912.html/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Stephen Gately's partner Andrew Cowles appears at Stonewall awards
Andrew Cowles, the civil partner of the late Boyzone star Stephen Gately, made his first public appearance last night at the Stonewall awards since the singer died four weeks ago.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/stephen-gatelys-partner-andrew-cowles-appears-at-stonewall-awards/
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir wins Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Jan Moir, the Daily Mail columnist whose column on the death of gay Boyzone singer Stephen Gately provoked widespread anger, won the Stonewall Bigot of the Year Awards last night jointly with Father John Owen, the priest who said most paedophiles were gay.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/daily-mail-columnist-jan-moir-wins-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage in NJ Takes on New Urgency
Jeff Diamant/The Star-Ledger
The radio ad, warning that same-sex marriage would send the wrong message to children, played over a loudspeaker in a church gym Thursday in Asbury Park, as 200 gay-rights supporters listened in silence at a post-Election Day “emergency action” meeting.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11273/
Same-Sex Marriage Debate Scheduled at CSU-Pueblo
GAYLE PEREZ \ THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
Two of the nation’s top experts in the ongoing controversy over whether to allow same-sex marriage will debate the issue Wednesday at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Glenn Stanton, a senior analyst for Marriage and Sexuality and the director of social research and cultural affairs at Focus on the Family, will speak in opposition of same-sex marriage.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11272/
TX: TABC to Change Way it Investigates Use of Excessive Force
Danny Robbins \ ASSOCIATED PRESS \ Austin Statesman
Texas’ liquor board plans to change the way it conducts investigations into allegations of excessive use of force, the agency said Thursday, after its agents were accused of wrongdoing during a raid at a gay bar that left a customer with severe head wounds.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11271/
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JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
House Votes To Expand Homebuyer Tax Credit
The House votes 403-12 to extend and expand the tax credit to include many more buyers. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama.
http://www.justnews.com/money/21527762/detail.html?treets=mia&tml=mia_natlbreak&ts=T&tmi=mia_natlbreak_1_01500111052009/
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#####
Friday, November 06, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - November 06, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Washington [State]: Same-Sex Unions Vote
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
A same-sex unions ballot measure nicknamed “Everything But Marriage” appeared on its way toward passing, even as election officials continued to receive ballots in the largely mail-in election. With more than 70 percent of ballots estimated to have been counted, 52 percent of voters had supported the measure, while 48 percent had opposed it. Ballots had to be postmarked by Tuesday. The measure, Referendum 71, asked voters to approve or reject a wide-ranging domestic partnerships bill passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature this spring and signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, a Democrat.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/us/06brfs-SAMESEXUNION_BRF.html?scp=8&sq=gay&st=cse/
Election Remakes City Council, and May Give It More Bite, Too
By SEWELL CHAN
Published: November 5, 2009
A quarter of its members will be new. Four members will be openly gay, the most ever. The Republican minority, though still tiny, will grow to five from three. For the first time, a majority will be black, Hispanic or Asian. Also for the first time, an Asian-American will represent Chinatown.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/nyregion/06council.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
Marriage for Gays on Agenda in New York
By DANNY HAKIM
Gov. David A. Paterson said Thursday that he would include gay marriage on the agenda of an extraordinary session he is calling for Tuesday, potentially setting up the first vote on the issue in the State Senate and a dramatic floor debate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/nyregion/06marriage.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Attack of the Palinites
By Eugene Robinson
Democrats have some thinking to do after Tuesday's elections, but Republicans don't have time to think. They're too busy trying to survive the party's internal purge and avoid being shipped off to political Siberia.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504335.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Burnt Offerings
By LAUREN WINNER
There is an old, snooty church joke that goes something like this: Miss Smith approaches her pastor, incensed that he has replaced the King James Bible with the New International Version. "Pastor, bring back the King James," she says. "If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013004574517453919024722.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
International Transgender Day of Remembrance to be marked in Fort Lauderdale weekend of Nov. 20-22
The 11th annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance will be Saturday, Nov. 21. A weekend of activities are planned in Fort Lauderdale, including a screening of the locally-produced film Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone and a brunch featuring speaker Marilyn Volker, a nationally known sexologist from Miami. Here are details (click to enlarge):
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/international-transgender-day-of-remembrance-to-be-marked-in-fort-lauderdale-weekend-of-nov-2022.html/
Ending employment discrimination in America: Lies, damned lies and statistics about America’s LGBT families
Commentary by Bob Witeck
"When you say...you [gay Americans] are not a group of people who need special protection. You do well economically. You are an elite. That is precisely the argument that has been made in behalf of the worst kind of discrimination against Jewish people." -- U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, July 29, 1994, responding to an extreme right spokesperson's anti-gay testimony
The late Senator Wellstone delivered that biting argument fifteen years ago, during an historic Senate hearing weighing the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA ultimately met an achingly close Senate vote that year, failing by one vote.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/ending-employment-discrimination-in-america-lies-damned-lies-and-statistics-about-americas-lgbt-families.html/
Same-sex partnership law headed to rare gay-rights victory in Washington state
By Brad Shannon, The Olympian
Ballot counts Wednesday showed Washington's same-sex partnership law passing with twice the margin of victory it had on election night, and one key leader in the movement declared victory.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/same-sex-partnership-law-headed-to-rare-gay-rights-victory-in-washington-state.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Florida a battleground state . . . again
OUR OPINION: Don't turn Florida race into ideological litmus test
For Floridians, the most significant news to emerge from the off-year elections around the country is that the outcome of an obscure congressional race in upstate New York ensures that the Sunshine State will be a key battleground in the 2010 election cycle. Oh, dear.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/1319264.html/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay candidates falter in South Florida elections
Michael Gongora still faces run-off for seat on Miami Beach City Commission
By DMITRY RASHNITSOV
None of the four gay candidates running for city government seats in Dade or Palm Beach counties could claim victory after the November 3 election, although one former Miami Beach City Commissioner is one step closer to regaining his seat on the dais.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/11-5/news/localnews/6438.cfm/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gavin Newsom Goes AWOL?
By Julie Bolcer
Some San Francisco residents are expressing annoyance that mayor Gavin Newsom left town abruptly last week -- without even telling his staff. The episode, in which staff members were forced to cancel the mayor’s scheduled appearances, drew comparisons to missing South Carolina governor Mark Sanford.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Gavin_Newsom_Goes_AWOL_/
Suspect: God Made Me Hate Gay People
By Julie Bolcer
One of three suspects in an antigay hate crime that occurred early Sunday on Long Island in New York told police, “God made me hate gay people.”
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Suspect__God_Made_Me_Hate_Gay_People/
Fans Tackle Johnson for Antigay Slurs
By Julie Bolcer
More than 10,000 fans of the National Football League have signed an online petition urging the Kansas City Chiefs to deactivate Larry Johnson for his use of antigay slurs on Twitter and in the locker room last week. The star running back is on the verge of breaking a team record.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Fans_Tackle_Johnson_for_Antigay_Slurs/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Sex-toy study at Duke raises some eyebrows
By Jennifer Vanasco
A campus religious leader is unhappy about a study at Duke University that invites female students to attend parties where they can buy sex toys.
http://www.365gay.com/news/sex-toy-study-at-duke-raises-some-eyebrows/
Gay partnership measure approved by voters
By The Associated Press
Washington voters have approved the state’s new “everything but marriage” law, expanding rights for domestic partners and marking the first time any state’s voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box.
http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-partnership-measure-approved-by-voters/
NY gov calls for session on gay marriage
By The Associated Press
New York Gov. David Paterson is calling the Legislature back to Albany for a special session to cut the budget and possibly vote on legalizing same-sex marriage.
http://www.365gay.com/news/ny-gov-calls-for-session-on-gay-marriage/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Fundraising campaign launched to restore gay marriage in California
A day after the anniversary of Proposition 8, gay marriages advocates have launched a new fundraising campaign to get the issue on next year's ballot.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/fundraising-campaign-launched-to-restore-gay-marriage-in-california/
Elton John leaves hospital
Elton John has been released from hospital after being treated for flu and E.coli. The 62-year-old star was taken ill two weeks ago and was forced to postpone five UK and three US gigs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/elton-john-leaves-hospital/
Man charged over death of Brighton trans woman to plead in New Year
A man arrested over the death of 29-year-old trans woman Andrea Waddell has appeared in court. The man arrested, 41-year-old Neil MacMillan, appeared at Lewes crown court today.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/man-charged-over-death-of-brighton-trans-woman-to-plead-in-new-year/
Sir Ian McKellen and Boy George to attend benefit evening for gay homeless charity
Sir Ian McKellen will appear at a benefit evening for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) on Sunday evening. The actor and TV presenter and star of Shameless Anthony Crank will be hosting an auction, with lots of prizes including an oil portrait of Sir Ian by the artist Anthony Lawrence.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/sir-ian-mckellen-and-boy-george-to-attend-benefit-evening-for-gay-homeless-charity/
UK government 'concerned' about Uganda's anti-gay law
The UK government has released a statement on the proposals in Uganda to execute people who have gay sex following condemnation of the bill from France and America.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/uk-government-concerned-about-ugandas-anti-gay-law/
Iain Dale loses appeal over 'homophobic' Daily Mail article
A complaint against the Daily Mail by gay political blogger Iain Dale has not been upheld by the Press Complaints Commission. Dale complained that one column, published last month, was homophobic.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/iain-dale-loses-appeal-over-homophobic-daily-mail-article/
Gay group attacks South Park for 'gay slur'
A recent episode of South Park has angered a gay rights group for using the word 'fag'. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said that the ironic use of the word might not be understood by all readers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/gay-group-attacks-south-park-for-gay-slur/
Stephen Gately's partner Andrew Cowles appears at Stonewall awards
Andrew Cowles, the civil partner of the late Boyzone star Stephen Gately, made his first public appearance last night at the Stonewall awards since the singer died four weeks ago.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/stephen-gatelys-partner-andrew-cowles-appears-at-stonewall-awards/
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir wins Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Jan Moir, the Daily Mail columnist whose column on the death of gay Boyzone singer Stephen Gately provoked widespread anger, won the Stonewall Bigot of the Year Awards last night jointly with Father John Owen, the priest who said most paedophiles were gay.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/daily-mail-columnist-jan-moir-wins-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
TX: Fort Worth Police Suspend Officers After Rainbow Lounge Investigation
TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
teiserer@dallasnews.com
Police Chief Jeff Halstead said he wanted to close a painful chapter and start a new one as he stood in front of front of a gay bar Thursday to announce the suspensions of a sergeant and two police officers over a controversial raid conducted here in late June.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11237/
MD: Letters: Maine Gay Marriage Vote a Setback for All of Us
Baltimore Sun
I am writing on behalf of the Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA) to speak of the disappointing loss we and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community suffered in the repeal of the Maine marriage equity law. Even though the law was rejected by a narrow majority, it shows the work we must continue to protection LGBT people from anti-gay forces which are determined to weaken our community and all families.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11236/
ENDA Will Provide Critical Employment Protections for LGBT Workers
Jaime Grant, Ph.D., Policy Institute Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force \ The Hill
The state of the U.S. workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people — transgender Americans in particular — is absolutely shameful. Thankfully, our nation is on the cusp of seriously addressing this injustice: Congress is currently considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the legislation today, and got an earful about the dire need to enact these fundamental protections.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11235/
MS: Gay Adoption Complex, Controversial Issue
Julio Cespedes \ Reflector
This past Monday, there was a panel discussion in the Dawg House as to whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children. No one is quite positive about how many children have at least one parent who is gay, but estimates range from 1 to 9 million.When I was asked if I was interested in tackling an opinion piece on this subject, I admit, I was quite intimidated. How in the world can I, at 20, be so pompous and arrogant to say I have enough information and knowledge to formulate an opinion on this sensitive issue? Further, how can any of us formulate an opinion with the curse of this postmodern world? Nothing can be taken as truth. In every argument for, there are just as many against. But in my quest to formulate an opinion, I have realized an invaluable truth, and it is in the context of this newfound certainty in which my article should be read.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11233/
UT: Gay Advocates Trek to LDS Offices
Aaron Falk \ Deseret News
Members of several Utah gay and lesbian advocacy groups asked LDS Church leaders to open a dialogue with its gay members but stay out of politics Wednesday — a day after Maine voters rejected a same-sex marriage referendum and one year after the monumental passage of California’s Proposition 8.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11232/
IA: Campaign Brews for Gay Marriage Vote
KCCI
A movement is under way that aims to undo the marriage licenses given to same-sex couples since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay and lesbian marriages in April.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11231/
UT: Gay Rights Group Pulls Mormon-Style Handcart to Make Point
Rosemary Winters
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 11/05/2009 09:49:21 AM MST
Like Mormon pioneers in the 1850s, gay-rights supporters pulled a handcart through Salt Lake City on Wednesday in what they dubbed a “rescue” mission. The Foundation for Reconciliation carted more than 2,000 petition signatures to LDS Church headquarters, calling on the church to salvage relations with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11230/
MI: Kalamazoo Anti-Discrimination Victory Provokes Plenty of Reaction
David Alire Garcia \ Michigan Messenger
Reactions keep pouring in on the lopsided passage of Kalamazoo’s Ordinance 1856, the anti-discrimination ballot initiative, from yesterday’s vote. The voters in this southwestern Michigan city backed the ordinance by a 62 to 38 vote, in still unofficial results.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11229/
Ending Employment Discrimination in America
Bob Witeck
“When you say…you [gay Americans] are not a group of people who need special protection. You do well economically. You are an elite. That is precisely the argument that has been made in behalf of the worst kind of discrimination against Jewish people.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11227/
Gay Rights Decisions Elsewhere in the US
Windy City Times
Maine was not the only place where voters decided on gay-rights issues. However, results elsewhere were much better for the LGBT community.
In Kalamazoo, Mich., voters passed Ordinance 1856, which alters the city’s non-discrimination law to include LGBT individuals.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11225/
The Question Remains, Not If, But When?
Gay & Lesbian Times
We will not forget the feeling just one year ago, when Californians awoke to learn that our right to marry had been stripped away. Our hearts go out to those in Maine who are feeling that same devastating blow, as voters Tuesday passed a Proposition 8-style measure overturning the state’s marriage equality law.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11224/
Tell South Park’s Creators About the Harms Caused by Slur-Filled “The F-Word”
CONTACT:
Taj Paxton
Director of Entertainment Media
paxton@glaad.org
Rich Ferraro
Director of Public Relations
ferraro@glaad.org
November 5, 2009 – On Wednesday, November 4, Comedy Central aired a new episode of South Park entitled “The F-Word,” in which the show’s characters repeat the titular anti-gay slur countless times. Like many other South Park episodes that use edgy humor to provide commentary on current issues, last night’s episode was an attempt to examine the evolving definition of words. Yet despite what the South Park writers may believe, the definition of the F-word remains one that is harmful and derogatory to the LGBT community.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11223/
Pentagon Pursuing New Investigation into Bush Propaganda Program
Brad Jacobson \ Raw Story
[Read Part I, Part II and Part III of this series.]
The Pentagon’s Office of Inspector General is conducting a new investigation into a covert Bush administration Defense Department program that used retired military analysts to produce positive wartime news coverage.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11222/
Gay Rights Movement Sees Few Gains
Valerie Richardson \ Washington Times
Gay rights advocates took some comfort in small victories from Tuesday’s elections after suffering a major defeat in Maine, where voters rejected a state same-sex marriage law. Wherever else gay issues or candidates appeared on the ballot, they appeared to fare well, although a key vote in Washington state was still too close to call.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11221/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Washington [State]: Same-Sex Unions Vote
By WILLIAM YARDLEY
A same-sex unions ballot measure nicknamed “Everything But Marriage” appeared on its way toward passing, even as election officials continued to receive ballots in the largely mail-in election. With more than 70 percent of ballots estimated to have been counted, 52 percent of voters had supported the measure, while 48 percent had opposed it. Ballots had to be postmarked by Tuesday. The measure, Referendum 71, asked voters to approve or reject a wide-ranging domestic partnerships bill passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature this spring and signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, a Democrat.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/us/06brfs-SAMESEXUNION_BRF.html?scp=8&sq=gay&st=cse/
Election Remakes City Council, and May Give It More Bite, Too
By SEWELL CHAN
Published: November 5, 2009
A quarter of its members will be new. Four members will be openly gay, the most ever. The Republican minority, though still tiny, will grow to five from three. For the first time, a majority will be black, Hispanic or Asian. Also for the first time, an Asian-American will represent Chinatown.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/nyregion/06council.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
Marriage for Gays on Agenda in New York
By DANNY HAKIM
Gov. David A. Paterson said Thursday that he would include gay marriage on the agenda of an extraordinary session he is calling for Tuesday, potentially setting up the first vote on the issue in the State Senate and a dramatic floor debate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/06/nyregion/06marriage.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Attack of the Palinites
By Eugene Robinson
Democrats have some thinking to do after Tuesday's elections, but Republicans don't have time to think. They're too busy trying to survive the party's internal purge and avoid being shipped off to political Siberia.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/05/AR2009110504335.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Burnt Offerings
By LAUREN WINNER
There is an old, snooty church joke that goes something like this: Miss Smith approaches her pastor, incensed that he has replaced the King James Bible with the New International Version. "Pastor, bring back the King James," she says. "If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704013004574517453919024722.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
International Transgender Day of Remembrance to be marked in Fort Lauderdale weekend of Nov. 20-22
The 11th annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance will be Saturday, Nov. 21. A weekend of activities are planned in Fort Lauderdale, including a screening of the locally-produced film Amancio: Two Faces on a Tombstone and a brunch featuring speaker Marilyn Volker, a nationally known sexologist from Miami. Here are details (click to enlarge):
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/international-transgender-day-of-remembrance-to-be-marked-in-fort-lauderdale-weekend-of-nov-2022.html/
Ending employment discrimination in America: Lies, damned lies and statistics about America’s LGBT families
Commentary by Bob Witeck
"When you say...you [gay Americans] are not a group of people who need special protection. You do well economically. You are an elite. That is precisely the argument that has been made in behalf of the worst kind of discrimination against Jewish people." -- U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone, July 29, 1994, responding to an extreme right spokesperson's anti-gay testimony
The late Senator Wellstone delivered that biting argument fifteen years ago, during an historic Senate hearing weighing the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA ultimately met an achingly close Senate vote that year, failing by one vote.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/ending-employment-discrimination-in-america-lies-damned-lies-and-statistics-about-americas-lgbt-families.html/
Same-sex partnership law headed to rare gay-rights victory in Washington state
By Brad Shannon, The Olympian
Ballot counts Wednesday showed Washington's same-sex partnership law passing with twice the margin of victory it had on election night, and one key leader in the movement declared victory.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/same-sex-partnership-law-headed-to-rare-gay-rights-victory-in-washington-state.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
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Florida a battleground state . . . again
OUR OPINION: Don't turn Florida race into ideological litmus test
For Floridians, the most significant news to emerge from the off-year elections around the country is that the outcome of an obscure congressional race in upstate New York ensures that the Sunshine State will be a key battleground in the 2010 election cycle. Oh, dear.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/1319264.html/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay candidates falter in South Florida elections
Michael Gongora still faces run-off for seat on Miami Beach City Commission
By DMITRY RASHNITSOV
None of the four gay candidates running for city government seats in Dade or Palm Beach counties could claim victory after the November 3 election, although one former Miami Beach City Commissioner is one step closer to regaining his seat on the dais.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/11-5/news/localnews/6438.cfm/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
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Gavin Newsom Goes AWOL?
By Julie Bolcer
Some San Francisco residents are expressing annoyance that mayor Gavin Newsom left town abruptly last week -- without even telling his staff. The episode, in which staff members were forced to cancel the mayor’s scheduled appearances, drew comparisons to missing South Carolina governor Mark Sanford.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Gavin_Newsom_Goes_AWOL_/
Suspect: God Made Me Hate Gay People
By Julie Bolcer
One of three suspects in an antigay hate crime that occurred early Sunday on Long Island in New York told police, “God made me hate gay people.”
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Suspect__God_Made_Me_Hate_Gay_People/
Fans Tackle Johnson for Antigay Slurs
By Julie Bolcer
More than 10,000 fans of the National Football League have signed an online petition urging the Kansas City Chiefs to deactivate Larry Johnson for his use of antigay slurs on Twitter and in the locker room last week. The star running back is on the verge of breaking a team record.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/06/Fans_Tackle_Johnson_for_Antigay_Slurs/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Sex-toy study at Duke raises some eyebrows
By Jennifer Vanasco
A campus religious leader is unhappy about a study at Duke University that invites female students to attend parties where they can buy sex toys.
http://www.365gay.com/news/sex-toy-study-at-duke-raises-some-eyebrows/
Gay partnership measure approved by voters
By The Associated Press
Washington voters have approved the state’s new “everything but marriage” law, expanding rights for domestic partners and marking the first time any state’s voters have approved a gay equality measure at the ballot box.
http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-partnership-measure-approved-by-voters/
NY gov calls for session on gay marriage
By The Associated Press
New York Gov. David Paterson is calling the Legislature back to Albany for a special session to cut the budget and possibly vote on legalizing same-sex marriage.
http://www.365gay.com/news/ny-gov-calls-for-session-on-gay-marriage/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Fundraising campaign launched to restore gay marriage in California
A day after the anniversary of Proposition 8, gay marriages advocates have launched a new fundraising campaign to get the issue on next year's ballot.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/fundraising-campaign-launched-to-restore-gay-marriage-in-california/
Elton John leaves hospital
Elton John has been released from hospital after being treated for flu and E.coli. The 62-year-old star was taken ill two weeks ago and was forced to postpone five UK and three US gigs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/elton-john-leaves-hospital/
Man charged over death of Brighton trans woman to plead in New Year
A man arrested over the death of 29-year-old trans woman Andrea Waddell has appeared in court. The man arrested, 41-year-old Neil MacMillan, appeared at Lewes crown court today.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/man-charged-over-death-of-brighton-trans-woman-to-plead-in-new-year/
Sir Ian McKellen and Boy George to attend benefit evening for gay homeless charity
Sir Ian McKellen will appear at a benefit evening for the Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT) on Sunday evening. The actor and TV presenter and star of Shameless Anthony Crank will be hosting an auction, with lots of prizes including an oil portrait of Sir Ian by the artist Anthony Lawrence.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/sir-ian-mckellen-and-boy-george-to-attend-benefit-evening-for-gay-homeless-charity/
UK government 'concerned' about Uganda's anti-gay law
The UK government has released a statement on the proposals in Uganda to execute people who have gay sex following condemnation of the bill from France and America.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/uk-government-concerned-about-ugandas-anti-gay-law/
Iain Dale loses appeal over 'homophobic' Daily Mail article
A complaint against the Daily Mail by gay political blogger Iain Dale has not been upheld by the Press Complaints Commission. Dale complained that one column, published last month, was homophobic.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/iain-dale-loses-appeal-over-homophobic-daily-mail-article/
Gay group attacks South Park for 'gay slur'
A recent episode of South Park has angered a gay rights group for using the word 'fag'. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said that the ironic use of the word might not be understood by all readers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/gay-group-attacks-south-park-for-gay-slur/
Stephen Gately's partner Andrew Cowles appears at Stonewall awards
Andrew Cowles, the civil partner of the late Boyzone star Stephen Gately, made his first public appearance last night at the Stonewall awards since the singer died four weeks ago.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/stephen-gatelys-partner-andrew-cowles-appears-at-stonewall-awards/
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir wins Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Jan Moir, the Daily Mail columnist whose column on the death of gay Boyzone singer Stephen Gately provoked widespread anger, won the Stonewall Bigot of the Year Awards last night jointly with Father John Owen, the priest who said most paedophiles were gay.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/06/daily-mail-columnist-jan-moir-wins-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
TX: Fort Worth Police Suspend Officers After Rainbow Lounge Investigation
TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
teiserer@dallasnews.com
Police Chief Jeff Halstead said he wanted to close a painful chapter and start a new one as he stood in front of front of a gay bar Thursday to announce the suspensions of a sergeant and two police officers over a controversial raid conducted here in late June.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11237/
MD: Letters: Maine Gay Marriage Vote a Setback for All of Us
Baltimore Sun
I am writing on behalf of the Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA) to speak of the disappointing loss we and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community suffered in the repeal of the Maine marriage equity law. Even though the law was rejected by a narrow majority, it shows the work we must continue to protection LGBT people from anti-gay forces which are determined to weaken our community and all families.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11236/
ENDA Will Provide Critical Employment Protections for LGBT Workers
Jaime Grant, Ph.D., Policy Institute Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force \ The Hill
The state of the U.S. workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people — transgender Americans in particular — is absolutely shameful. Thankfully, our nation is on the cusp of seriously addressing this injustice: Congress is currently considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the legislation today, and got an earful about the dire need to enact these fundamental protections.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11235/
MS: Gay Adoption Complex, Controversial Issue
Julio Cespedes \ Reflector
This past Monday, there was a panel discussion in the Dawg House as to whether or not homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children. No one is quite positive about how many children have at least one parent who is gay, but estimates range from 1 to 9 million.When I was asked if I was interested in tackling an opinion piece on this subject, I admit, I was quite intimidated. How in the world can I, at 20, be so pompous and arrogant to say I have enough information and knowledge to formulate an opinion on this sensitive issue? Further, how can any of us formulate an opinion with the curse of this postmodern world? Nothing can be taken as truth. In every argument for, there are just as many against. But in my quest to formulate an opinion, I have realized an invaluable truth, and it is in the context of this newfound certainty in which my article should be read.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11233/
UT: Gay Advocates Trek to LDS Offices
Aaron Falk \ Deseret News
Members of several Utah gay and lesbian advocacy groups asked LDS Church leaders to open a dialogue with its gay members but stay out of politics Wednesday — a day after Maine voters rejected a same-sex marriage referendum and one year after the monumental passage of California’s Proposition 8.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11232/
IA: Campaign Brews for Gay Marriage Vote
KCCI
A movement is under way that aims to undo the marriage licenses given to same-sex couples since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay and lesbian marriages in April.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11231/
UT: Gay Rights Group Pulls Mormon-Style Handcart to Make Point
Rosemary Winters
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 11/05/2009 09:49:21 AM MST
Like Mormon pioneers in the 1850s, gay-rights supporters pulled a handcart through Salt Lake City on Wednesday in what they dubbed a “rescue” mission. The Foundation for Reconciliation carted more than 2,000 petition signatures to LDS Church headquarters, calling on the church to salvage relations with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11230/
MI: Kalamazoo Anti-Discrimination Victory Provokes Plenty of Reaction
David Alire Garcia \ Michigan Messenger
Reactions keep pouring in on the lopsided passage of Kalamazoo’s Ordinance 1856, the anti-discrimination ballot initiative, from yesterday’s vote. The voters in this southwestern Michigan city backed the ordinance by a 62 to 38 vote, in still unofficial results.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11229/
Ending Employment Discrimination in America
Bob Witeck
“When you say…you [gay Americans] are not a group of people who need special protection. You do well economically. You are an elite. That is precisely the argument that has been made in behalf of the worst kind of discrimination against Jewish people.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11227/
Gay Rights Decisions Elsewhere in the US
Windy City Times
Maine was not the only place where voters decided on gay-rights issues. However, results elsewhere were much better for the LGBT community.
In Kalamazoo, Mich., voters passed Ordinance 1856, which alters the city’s non-discrimination law to include LGBT individuals.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11225/
The Question Remains, Not If, But When?
Gay & Lesbian Times
We will not forget the feeling just one year ago, when Californians awoke to learn that our right to marry had been stripped away. Our hearts go out to those in Maine who are feeling that same devastating blow, as voters Tuesday passed a Proposition 8-style measure overturning the state’s marriage equality law.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11224/
Tell South Park’s Creators About the Harms Caused by Slur-Filled “The F-Word”
CONTACT:
Taj Paxton
Director of Entertainment Media
paxton@glaad.org
Rich Ferraro
Director of Public Relations
ferraro@glaad.org
November 5, 2009 – On Wednesday, November 4, Comedy Central aired a new episode of South Park entitled “The F-Word,” in which the show’s characters repeat the titular anti-gay slur countless times. Like many other South Park episodes that use edgy humor to provide commentary on current issues, last night’s episode was an attempt to examine the evolving definition of words. Yet despite what the South Park writers may believe, the definition of the F-word remains one that is harmful and derogatory to the LGBT community.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11223/
Pentagon Pursuing New Investigation into Bush Propaganda Program
Brad Jacobson \ Raw Story
[Read Part I, Part II and Part III of this series.]
The Pentagon’s Office of Inspector General is conducting a new investigation into a covert Bush administration Defense Department program that used retired military analysts to produce positive wartime news coverage.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11222/
Gay Rights Movement Sees Few Gains
Valerie Richardson \ Washington Times
Gay rights advocates took some comfort in small victories from Tuesday’s elections after suffering a major defeat in Maine, where voters rejected a state same-sex marriage law. Wherever else gay issues or candidates appeared on the ballot, they appeared to fare well, although a key vote in Washington state was still too close to call.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11221/
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GLBT DIGEST - November 05, 2009
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Republicans Bask in Glow of Victories in N.J. and Va.
By DAVID M. HALBFINGER and IAN URBINA
Savoring their victories in gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, Republicans were trying on Wednesday morning to build momentum, in a time of economic concern, for a strong challenge to President Obama’s party in next year’s midterm Congressional elections. The White House insisted that the Republican victories in the two races for governor were not referendums on President Obama but rather the reflections of “very local issues that didn’t involve the president,” as Robert Gibbs, the chief administration spokesman, told reporters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/nyregion/05elect.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=cse&scp=7&pagewanted=print/
Gay Rights Rebuke May Change Approach
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
They had far more money and volunteers, and geography was on their side, given that New England has been more accepting of same-sex marriage than any other region of the country. Yet gay rights supporters suffered a crushing loss when voters decided to repeal Maine’s new law allowing gay men and lesbians to wed, setting back a movement that had made remarkable progress nationally this year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/05marriage.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
A Setback in Maine for Gay Marriage, but Medical Marijuana Law Expands
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
In a stinging setback for the national gay-rights movement, Maine voters narrowly decided to repeal the state’s new law allowing same-sex marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/politics/05maine.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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POLITICS DIGEST
By Robert McCartney
It's payback time for Northern Virginia in the wake of governor-elect Robert F. McDonnell's extraordinary landslide victory. The region voted for the Republican on Tuesday, and although the margin was narrower than elsewhere in the state, it represented a major turnabout in Virginia's most populous area and ended a strong pro-Democratic trend that began more than a decade ago.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404373.html/
Ask Amy
DEAR AMY: I'm a 24-year-old gay male. I have been "out" to my immediate family for about five years now. My family is very supportive and open about my sexual orientation when it's just the four of us, but I haven't told everyone in my extended family.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102601215.html/
Gay groups say loss won't alter strategy
By Ashley Surdin
Gay rights advocates across the country are regrouping after a crushing defeat at the ballot box in Maine, pledging to continue their state-by-state effort to promote marriage equality and to turn their attention to a federal court case in California.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404822.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
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Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine
By LISA LEFF and DAVID CRARY, Associated Press
Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-leaders-blame-tv-ads-obama-for-loss-in-maine.html/
‘L Word’ band BETTY to play Saturday at Sleepless Night’s gay Out in the Tropics preview
BY STEVE ROTHAUS
The "gay positive'' band BETTY performs on the edge, making its three performers the perfect headliners for Robbie Rosenberg's new festival project, Out in the Tropics.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/l-word-band-betty-to-play-saturday-at-sleepless-nights-gay-out-in-the-tropics-preview.html/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
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Gay couples: A close look at this modern family, parenting
By Sharon Jayson
So many gay couples today have kids that it has become a cultural phenomenon – there's even a new TV show about a modern family that includes a gay couple with an adopted baby.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-11-05-gayparents05_ST_N.htm?csp=34/
State lawmaker pushes for same-sex marriage in Michigan
Karen Bouffard / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
In the wake of Tuesday's passage of a gay rights ordinance in Kalamazoo, a state representative today introduced a plan to overturn Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage. Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, introduced a resolution to amend the state constitution to allow same-sex marriage. Voters instituted the ban in 2004, when they approved Proposal 2. http://www.detnews.com/article/20091104/POLITICS02/911040443/1022/rss10/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
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Charlie Crist in Conservative Crosshairs?
By Julie Bolcer
Following conservative Republicans’ efforts to oust a moderate candidate from an upstate New York congressional race, operatives appear to be targeting Florida governor Charlie Crist, who hopes to win his party’s nomination for a U.S. senate seat in 2010.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Crist_in_Conservative_Crosshairs_/
Gay Voters Key to Atlanta Mayoral Runoff
By Julie Bolcer
In the runoff election for Atlanta mayor on December 1, candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed may look toward the LGBT vote to tip the balance in their favor. Norwood, who could become the city’s first white mayor in 36 years, led voting on Tuesday with 46%, while state senator Reed received 36%. Each enjoys support from segments of the gay community, which is expected to turn out for other runoff elections of interest, like a city council seat in the sixth district, where a high concentration of LGBT live, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Gay_Voters_Key_to_Atlanta_Mayoral_Runoff/
Gay Mormons Petition Church Leaders
By Julie Bolcer
The Foundation for Reconciliation, a group that seeks to improve relations between gay people and the Mormon Church, marked the first anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8 on Wednesday by delivering a trunk filled with 2,000 petitions to church leaders in Salt Lake City.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Gay_Mormons_Petitioned_Church/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
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NYC Cabbie kicks out gay couple for hugging
By 365gay Newswire
The New York Post reported today that a New York City taxi driver kicked a gay couple out of his vehicle after he saw them hugging in the backseat.
http://www.365gay.com/news/nyc-cabbie-kicks-out-gay-couple-for-hugging/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Jan Moir gets late nomination for Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir has been added as a nominee for Stonewall's Bigot of the Year award. The journalist provoked outrage in October with an article that suggested Boyzone star Stephen Gately's death was "sleazy" and "unnatural".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/jan-moir-gets-late-nomination-for-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
Trans writer defends 'offensive' Jesus, Queen of Heaven play
A trans woman who wrote a play portraying Jesus as undergoing transition to become a woman has defended her work, saying that protests by angry Christians have no foundation in the Bible.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/trans-writer-defends-offensive-jesus-queen-of-heaven-play/
Push for rights reforms after Texas gay bar raid
A task force set up after a police raid on a Fort Worth, Texas, gay bar has recommended a drastic reform of gay and trans rights in the city.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/push-for-rights-reforms-after-texas-gay-bar-raid/
Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects challenge to gay domestic partnerships
Wisconsin's Supreme Court has thrown out a legal challenge to the state's domestic partnerships law. The law came into force on August 3rd, making Wisconsin the first mid-western state to pass such a law through legislation.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/wisconsin-supreme-court-rejects-challenge-to-gay-domestic-partnerships/
British Museum hosts event for LGBT History Month
The British Museum is helping to kick off preparations for next year's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) History Month with a special event for teachers and youth workers and a reception.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/04/british-museum-hosts-event-for-lgbt-history-month/
Lesbian author Sarah Waters: 'Gay fiction is getting better'
Lesbian author Sarah Waters has said that the profiles of other female gay authors and their works are rising. In an interview with the Liverpool Daily Post, the Tipping the Velvet writer said the UK was currently seeing a trend for lesbian fiction.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/04/lesbian-author-sarah-waters-gay-fiction-is-getting-better/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Action Alert: Urge Congress to Deny Financial Aid to Uganda
Truth Wins Out today urged Congress to deny financial aid to Uganda if the country passes a draconian bill that would trample the fundamental rights of the nation’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 threatens sexual minorities with cruel and usual punishment for simply existing.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11215/
DC FOR MARRIAGE ON MAINE REPEAL AND LOCAL FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Renna, 917-757-6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com
Laura McGinnis, 202-596-0402, laura@rennacommunications.com
Statement from Michael Crawford, Co-Chair of D.C. for Marriage on the Repeal of Marriage Equality in Maine:
“DC for Marriage is saddened to see fear-based lies once again trump the truth about same-sex couples and our families. Our hearts go out to the thousands of individuals who worked on the No on 1 campaign in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11214/
LGBT Leaders Eye Changes for 2020 Census Count
Matthew S. Bajko \ Bay Area Reporter \ EDGE Boston
The 2010 census count has yet to begin but LGBT leaders and demographers are already pushing for changes to the 2020 census. LGBT advocates would like to see the next decennial count include questions about people’s sexual orientation and gender identity. There is also an effort under way to see that the federal population count breaks out figures on how many legally married same-sex couples there are in the U.S.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11213/
ACLU-NJ Helps Resolve Issue Between Black Police Officers Group and LGBT Community
New Jersey Newsroom
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) announced the resolution of a dispute involving two women who were turned away from a fundraising dance hosted by the organization. The women claimed they and their friends were excluded based on their sexual orientation or gender expression.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11211/
IL: GLBT Lecture at Lancaster Seminary
Daily Record/Sunday News
Dr. Kathryn Tanner of the University of Chicago Divinity School will give the annual LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) lecture at Lancaster Theological Seminary 11 a.m. Nov. 12 in the Santee Chapel. Her theme will be Unnatural Associations: Christianity as an Experiment in Human Community.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11210/
Election Coverage: The World’s First ‘Civil Likes’ Movement
Wayne Besen \ Truth Wins Out
Instead of validating marriage for same-sex couples, Maine voters cruelly voted 52.75 percent to 47.25 percent (87 percent of precincts reporting) to strip away this most basic right and leave gay families and their children legally unprotected and vulnerable. According to journalist Rex Wockner, “it was the 31st time that same-sex marriage has lost at the ballot box in a U.S. state. It has never won.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11209/
Maine’s Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Claim Victory
Sarah Pulliam Bailey \ Christianity Today
Early exit polls show Maine heading towards a repeal of a state law that would have allowed same-sex marriage. The Legislature passed the law in May, but the election offered voters the chance to repeal the measure.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11208/
A Different Shade of Queer: Race, Sexuality and Marginalizing by the Marginalized
Chong-suk Han \ Bad Subjects
By now, two things are bitterly clear about our “shared” American experiences. One, a shared history of oppression rarely leads to coalition building among those who have been systematically denied their rights. More devastatingly, such shared experiences of oppression rarely lead to sympathy for others who are also marginalized, traumatized, and minimized by the dominant society. Rather, all too miserably, those who should naturally join in fighting discrimination find it more comforting to join their oppressors in oppressing others. As a gay man of color, I see this on a routine basis – whether it be racism in the gay community or homophobia in communities of color. And it pisses me off.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11207/
LGBT Racism Prevalent
Doug Spearman \ ILLVox
Most people have seen the rainbow flag of the gay community. The multiple stripes that are supposed to symbolize the various differences, in gender, nationality, race, and even proclivity, that make up the vibrancy of the LGBT community. Let me call your attention to something – the lines between the colors are sharp and clearly defined. They do not blend or run into one another. They’re still separate.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11206/
Election Night Brings Mixed Results
Lambda Legal
Last night advocates for LGBT equality were served a mixed bag of results.
Hopes for a historic electoral victory in favor of marriage rights were disappointed when Maine voters approved Question 1 by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. Voters blocked the bill ending marriage discrimination which legislators and the governor approved in May, dashing, for the moment, the dreams of thousands of couples in the state.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11205/
SLDN Announces Keynote for 2010 National Dinner
SLDN proudly welcomes Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) - a fearless champion of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal - as the keynote speaker for our 18th Annual National Dinner. The event will take place Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Register today: www.sldn.org/NationalDinner2010
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11204/
Maine Vote Signals Continued Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage
“Placed in historical context, same-sex marriage is an aberration embraced by a small fraction of the world’s population, not an inevitability as proponents suggest.” — IRD Vice President Alan Wisdom
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 /Christian Newswire/ — On Tuesday, voters in Maine made the state the 31st to uphold traditional marriage by popular vote. Passage of Question 1, the ballot referendum that repealed the state legislature’s same- sex marriage law, received wide support from Maine churches.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11203/
Chuck Wolfe: About Last Night
Gay Politics
It was tough to watch what happened in Maine, but that painful loss is not the whole story of last night. We’re winning Referendum 71 right now in Washington state, and voters in Kalamazoo overwhelmingly embraced equality in their city. And of the 79 openly LGBT candidates the Victory Fund endorsed for 2009, 50 are winning their races as of this morning and another six have advanced to runoff elections. (We’ll have a full Election Scorecard up soon.)
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11202/
Election 2009: Gay Candidates Score Visibility and Victories in Key Southern Races
Southern Studies
No big lessons or grand narratives emerged from yesterday’s off-year elections — but there were lots of interesting local stories that reveal the conflicted reality of the Purple South and country. Some updates and themes from the key races Facing South reported on yesterday and more:
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11201/
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Bigotry in Maine
Michael A. Jones \ Change.org
Despite the fact that same-sex marriage supporters led the campaign of their life to preserve marriage rights for gays and lesbians in Maine, the state narrowly voted to overturn a marriage equality law in yesterday’s ballot. It’s a bit of deja vu all over again this year, as activists still reeling over the 2008 loss in California with Proposition 8 now have to cope with a second straight loss for marriage equality, this time in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11200/
TX: Fort Worth Panel Urges Expansion of Gay Rights
MIKE LEE \ mikelee@star-telegram.com \ Star Telegram
FORT WORTH — A task force formed in the wake of the arrests at the Rainbow Lounge recommended a series of reforms Tuesday designed to give gay and lesbian residents equal treatment at City Hall.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11199/
=
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#####
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Republicans Bask in Glow of Victories in N.J. and Va.
By DAVID M. HALBFINGER and IAN URBINA
Savoring their victories in gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia, Republicans were trying on Wednesday morning to build momentum, in a time of economic concern, for a strong challenge to President Obama’s party in next year’s midterm Congressional elections. The White House insisted that the Republican victories in the two races for governor were not referendums on President Obama but rather the reflections of “very local issues that didn’t involve the president,” as Robert Gibbs, the chief administration spokesman, told reporters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/nyregion/05elect.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=cse&scp=7&pagewanted=print/
Gay Rights Rebuke May Change Approach
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
They had far more money and volunteers, and geography was on their side, given that New England has been more accepting of same-sex marriage than any other region of the country. Yet gay rights supporters suffered a crushing loss when voters decided to repeal Maine’s new law allowing gay men and lesbians to wed, setting back a movement that had made remarkable progress nationally this year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/05marriage.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/
A Setback in Maine for Gay Marriage, but Medical Marijuana Law Expands
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
In a stinging setback for the national gay-rights movement, Maine voters narrowly decided to repeal the state’s new law allowing same-sex marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/05/us/politics/05maine.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
POLITICS DIGEST
By Robert McCartney
It's payback time for Northern Virginia in the wake of governor-elect Robert F. McDonnell's extraordinary landslide victory. The region voted for the Republican on Tuesday, and although the margin was narrower than elsewhere in the state, it represented a major turnabout in Virginia's most populous area and ended a strong pro-Democratic trend that began more than a decade ago.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404373.html/
Ask Amy
DEAR AMY: I'm a 24-year-old gay male. I have been "out" to my immediate family for about five years now. My family is very supportive and open about my sexual orientation when it's just the four of us, but I haven't told everyone in my extended family.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102601215.html/
Gay groups say loss won't alter strategy
By Ashley Surdin
Gay rights advocates across the country are regrouping after a crushing defeat at the ballot box in Maine, pledging to continue their state-by-state effort to promote marriage equality and to turn their attention to a federal court case in California.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/04/AR2009110404822.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine
By LISA LEFF and DAVID CRARY, Associated Press
Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-leaders-blame-tv-ads-obama-for-loss-in-maine.html/
‘L Word’ band BETTY to play Saturday at Sleepless Night’s gay Out in the Tropics preview
BY STEVE ROTHAUS
The "gay positive'' band BETTY performs on the edge, making its three performers the perfect headliners for Robbie Rosenberg's new festival project, Out in the Tropics.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/l-word-band-betty-to-play-saturday-at-sleepless-nights-gay-out-in-the-tropics-preview.html/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay couples: A close look at this modern family, parenting
By Sharon Jayson
So many gay couples today have kids that it has become a cultural phenomenon – there's even a new TV show about a modern family that includes a gay couple with an adopted baby.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-11-05-gayparents05_ST_N.htm?csp=34/
State lawmaker pushes for same-sex marriage in Michigan
Karen Bouffard / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
In the wake of Tuesday's passage of a gay rights ordinance in Kalamazoo, a state representative today introduced a plan to overturn Michigan's ban on same-sex marriage. Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes, D-Lyndon Township, introduced a resolution to amend the state constitution to allow same-sex marriage. Voters instituted the ban in 2004, when they approved Proposal 2. http://www.detnews.com/article/20091104/POLITICS02/911040443/1022/rss10/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Charlie Crist in Conservative Crosshairs?
By Julie Bolcer
Following conservative Republicans’ efforts to oust a moderate candidate from an upstate New York congressional race, operatives appear to be targeting Florida governor Charlie Crist, who hopes to win his party’s nomination for a U.S. senate seat in 2010.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Crist_in_Conservative_Crosshairs_/
Gay Voters Key to Atlanta Mayoral Runoff
By Julie Bolcer
In the runoff election for Atlanta mayor on December 1, candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed may look toward the LGBT vote to tip the balance in their favor. Norwood, who could become the city’s first white mayor in 36 years, led voting on Tuesday with 46%, while state senator Reed received 36%. Each enjoys support from segments of the gay community, which is expected to turn out for other runoff elections of interest, like a city council seat in the sixth district, where a high concentration of LGBT live, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Gay_Voters_Key_to_Atlanta_Mayoral_Runoff/
Gay Mormons Petition Church Leaders
By Julie Bolcer
The Foundation for Reconciliation, a group that seeks to improve relations between gay people and the Mormon Church, marked the first anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8 on Wednesday by delivering a trunk filled with 2,000 petitions to church leaders in Salt Lake City.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/05/Gay_Mormons_Petitioned_Church/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
NYC Cabbie kicks out gay couple for hugging
By 365gay Newswire
The New York Post reported today that a New York City taxi driver kicked a gay couple out of his vehicle after he saw them hugging in the backseat.
http://www.365gay.com/news/nyc-cabbie-kicks-out-gay-couple-for-hugging/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Jan Moir gets late nomination for Stonewall Bigot of the Year award
Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir has been added as a nominee for Stonewall's Bigot of the Year award. The journalist provoked outrage in October with an article that suggested Boyzone star Stephen Gately's death was "sleazy" and "unnatural".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/jan-moir-gets-late-nomination-for-stonewall-bigot-of-the-year-award/
Trans writer defends 'offensive' Jesus, Queen of Heaven play
A trans woman who wrote a play portraying Jesus as undergoing transition to become a woman has defended her work, saying that protests by angry Christians have no foundation in the Bible.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/trans-writer-defends-offensive-jesus-queen-of-heaven-play/
Push for rights reforms after Texas gay bar raid
A task force set up after a police raid on a Fort Worth, Texas, gay bar has recommended a drastic reform of gay and trans rights in the city.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/push-for-rights-reforms-after-texas-gay-bar-raid/
Wisconsin Supreme Court rejects challenge to gay domestic partnerships
Wisconsin's Supreme Court has thrown out a legal challenge to the state's domestic partnerships law. The law came into force on August 3rd, making Wisconsin the first mid-western state to pass such a law through legislation.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/05/wisconsin-supreme-court-rejects-challenge-to-gay-domestic-partnerships/
British Museum hosts event for LGBT History Month
The British Museum is helping to kick off preparations for next year's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) History Month with a special event for teachers and youth workers and a reception.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/04/british-museum-hosts-event-for-lgbt-history-month/
Lesbian author Sarah Waters: 'Gay fiction is getting better'
Lesbian author Sarah Waters has said that the profiles of other female gay authors and their works are rising. In an interview with the Liverpool Daily Post, the Tipping the Velvet writer said the UK was currently seeing a trend for lesbian fiction.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/04/lesbian-author-sarah-waters-gay-fiction-is-getting-better/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Action Alert: Urge Congress to Deny Financial Aid to Uganda
Truth Wins Out today urged Congress to deny financial aid to Uganda if the country passes a draconian bill that would trample the fundamental rights of the nation’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 threatens sexual minorities with cruel and usual punishment for simply existing.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11215/
DC FOR MARRIAGE ON MAINE REPEAL AND LOCAL FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cathy Renna, 917-757-6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com
Laura McGinnis, 202-596-0402, laura@rennacommunications.com
Statement from Michael Crawford, Co-Chair of D.C. for Marriage on the Repeal of Marriage Equality in Maine:
“DC for Marriage is saddened to see fear-based lies once again trump the truth about same-sex couples and our families. Our hearts go out to the thousands of individuals who worked on the No on 1 campaign in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11214/
LGBT Leaders Eye Changes for 2020 Census Count
Matthew S. Bajko \ Bay Area Reporter \ EDGE Boston
The 2010 census count has yet to begin but LGBT leaders and demographers are already pushing for changes to the 2020 census. LGBT advocates would like to see the next decennial count include questions about people’s sexual orientation and gender identity. There is also an effort under way to see that the federal population count breaks out figures on how many legally married same-sex couples there are in the U.S.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11213/
ACLU-NJ Helps Resolve Issue Between Black Police Officers Group and LGBT Community
New Jersey Newsroom
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) announced the resolution of a dispute involving two women who were turned away from a fundraising dance hosted by the organization. The women claimed they and their friends were excluded based on their sexual orientation or gender expression.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11211/
IL: GLBT Lecture at Lancaster Seminary
Daily Record/Sunday News
Dr. Kathryn Tanner of the University of Chicago Divinity School will give the annual LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) lecture at Lancaster Theological Seminary 11 a.m. Nov. 12 in the Santee Chapel. Her theme will be Unnatural Associations: Christianity as an Experiment in Human Community.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11210/
Election Coverage: The World’s First ‘Civil Likes’ Movement
Wayne Besen \ Truth Wins Out
Instead of validating marriage for same-sex couples, Maine voters cruelly voted 52.75 percent to 47.25 percent (87 percent of precincts reporting) to strip away this most basic right and leave gay families and their children legally unprotected and vulnerable. According to journalist Rex Wockner, “it was the 31st time that same-sex marriage has lost at the ballot box in a U.S. state. It has never won.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11209/
Maine’s Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Claim Victory
Sarah Pulliam Bailey \ Christianity Today
Early exit polls show Maine heading towards a repeal of a state law that would have allowed same-sex marriage. The Legislature passed the law in May, but the election offered voters the chance to repeal the measure.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11208/
A Different Shade of Queer: Race, Sexuality and Marginalizing by the Marginalized
Chong-suk Han \ Bad Subjects
By now, two things are bitterly clear about our “shared” American experiences. One, a shared history of oppression rarely leads to coalition building among those who have been systematically denied their rights. More devastatingly, such shared experiences of oppression rarely lead to sympathy for others who are also marginalized, traumatized, and minimized by the dominant society. Rather, all too miserably, those who should naturally join in fighting discrimination find it more comforting to join their oppressors in oppressing others. As a gay man of color, I see this on a routine basis – whether it be racism in the gay community or homophobia in communities of color. And it pisses me off.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11207/
LGBT Racism Prevalent
Doug Spearman \ ILLVox
Most people have seen the rainbow flag of the gay community. The multiple stripes that are supposed to symbolize the various differences, in gender, nationality, race, and even proclivity, that make up the vibrancy of the LGBT community. Let me call your attention to something – the lines between the colors are sharp and clearly defined. They do not blend or run into one another. They’re still separate.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11206/
Election Night Brings Mixed Results
Lambda Legal
Last night advocates for LGBT equality were served a mixed bag of results.
Hopes for a historic electoral victory in favor of marriage rights were disappointed when Maine voters approved Question 1 by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. Voters blocked the bill ending marriage discrimination which legislators and the governor approved in May, dashing, for the moment, the dreams of thousands of couples in the state.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11205/
SLDN Announces Keynote for 2010 National Dinner
SLDN proudly welcomes Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) - a fearless champion of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal - as the keynote speaker for our 18th Annual National Dinner. The event will take place Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Register today: www.sldn.org/NationalDinner2010
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11204/
Maine Vote Signals Continued Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage
“Placed in historical context, same-sex marriage is an aberration embraced by a small fraction of the world’s population, not an inevitability as proponents suggest.” — IRD Vice President Alan Wisdom
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 /Christian Newswire/ — On Tuesday, voters in Maine made the state the 31st to uphold traditional marriage by popular vote. Passage of Question 1, the ballot referendum that repealed the state legislature’s same- sex marriage law, received wide support from Maine churches.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11203/
Chuck Wolfe: About Last Night
Gay Politics
It was tough to watch what happened in Maine, but that painful loss is not the whole story of last night. We’re winning Referendum 71 right now in Washington state, and voters in Kalamazoo overwhelmingly embraced equality in their city. And of the 79 openly LGBT candidates the Victory Fund endorsed for 2009, 50 are winning their races as of this morning and another six have advanced to runoff elections. (We’ll have a full Election Scorecard up soon.)
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11202/
Election 2009: Gay Candidates Score Visibility and Victories in Key Southern Races
Southern Studies
No big lessons or grand narratives emerged from yesterday’s off-year elections — but there were lots of interesting local stories that reveal the conflicted reality of the Purple South and country. Some updates and themes from the key races Facing South reported on yesterday and more:
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11201/
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Bigotry in Maine
Michael A. Jones \ Change.org
Despite the fact that same-sex marriage supporters led the campaign of their life to preserve marriage rights for gays and lesbians in Maine, the state narrowly voted to overturn a marriage equality law in yesterday’s ballot. It’s a bit of deja vu all over again this year, as activists still reeling over the 2008 loss in California with Proposition 8 now have to cope with a second straight loss for marriage equality, this time in Maine.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11200/
TX: Fort Worth Panel Urges Expansion of Gay Rights
MIKE LEE \ mikelee@star-telegram.com \ Star Telegram
FORT WORTH — A task force formed in the wake of the arrests at the Rainbow Lounge recommended a series of reforms Tuesday designed to give gay and lesbian residents equal treatment at City Hall.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11199/
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