Step by Step by Step

The Forteenth Amendment to the U.S.Constitution states: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and the States wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the priviliges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of Life, Liberty, or Property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within it's jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Now.....that being said, three {3} States have used this to further advance the protections under the law for the LGBT comunity. And this is all since the start of 2014. Makes you wonder if were not in for a wild ride this year. Let's examine these States. UTAH: Dec. 20th. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby Declared Utahs ban unconstitutional. Since then, 900 same-sex couples have married. Utah has taken this to the Supreme Court to get the 10th District to stay this decision.In response, Attorny Peggy Tomsic stated that Utah has not shown how these same-sex marriages have or will do harm others. more to follow on this issue, I'm sure. Remember...this is the state that funneled money into California during our debate on Proposition H8. OKLAHOMA: January 14th.A Federal Judge ruled that Oklahomas ban was "absured" and "irrational" U.S.District Judge Terrance Kern put a hold on the ruling pending an appeal. He stated that "Part A of the Constituion that stipulates marriage as 'one man,one woman' violates the U.S.Constitutions 14th. Ammendment of equal protection. He also states that the U.S. Supreme Court has never specifically ruled how same-sex marriages relate to the 14th. ammendment. "However the Supreme Court now prohibits States from passing laws that are born out of animosity towards Homosexuals, extends Constitutional protection to moral and sexual choicesof Homosexuals, and prohibits the Federal Government from treating same-sex and opposite-sex marriages differently." VIRGINIA: January 23rd. The State Attorny-General refuses to support gay marriage ban and will not fight for it in a court of law. "It is time for the Commonwealth to be on the right side of the law and the right side of history. I have concluded that the ban violates the 14th. Ammendment to the Constitution on two {2} grounds: marriage is a fundamental right being deprived of some Virginians, and the ban unlawfully dicriminates on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender." My friends, we are getting there step by step. Why even today January 23rd., the Federal Court system has said that the LGBT community can not be excluded from a jury on the bais of their sexual orientation. We now have 18 states that allow same-sex marriage and many others allowing unions. It only takes 3/4 of the country to ratify the Constitution...38 states to be exact. Step by step by step by...................

In the aftermath of Wisconsin

I was reading my Facebook page today, and someone posted a question on the Sikh Temple shooting. One word.."Why?"  My answer was, "people will not like my answer." Well, here are my thoughts and answer.

According to the F.B.I. there have been 250 confirmed Domestic Terrorist attacks between 1980-2000. But before we continue, just what is a Domestic Terrorist attack?

UNITED STATES PATRIOT ACT defines it as:
   {A} involved acts dangerous to human life that are in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State.
   {B} appear to be intended
        {1} to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.
        {2} to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion.
        {3} to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.
   {C} occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
Examples are:
   Unabomber attacks - 1978 to 1995
   Oklahoma City - April 19,1995
   Centennial Olympic Park - July 27,1996
   2001 Anthrax attacks on the Government
   Fort Hood shooting - November 5, 2009
   Austin I.R.S. attack - February 18, 2010

Now here goes nothing. And believe me, thoughts and comments welcome.
 As of late there has been a lot of Anti-Muslim sentiment in America. It is possible that the shooter mistook the Sikh Temple for a Mosque. Since 9/11, anyone perceived to be of Middle Eastern origin have suffered attacks. And I fear there more may happen. what with the culture of Islamophobia, Arabophobia,etc. that has been allowed to enter into American society. It has even creeped into the American Government. A prime example of that is what has happened as of late. Recently, Michele Bachman, Trent Franks, Louie Gohmert, Thomas Rooney and Lynn Westmoreland, sent letters to Congress demanding an investigation of possible infiltration to Government by Muslim Brotherhood.

This is America. This is the melting pot. We are Muslim - We are Sikhs - We are Jews - We are Christians.
We are ALL Americans. We are ALL fellow Humans.We must face the fact that we are not living up to our ideals as a nation whenever a minority is demonised.

We may never know what made Wade Michael Page walk into a house of worship and murder innocents in cold blood.Whether he did this because they were dark-skinned, or he thought they were Muslims, or because they were immigrants - the awful result is the same.There was no mistaken identity. He targeted people because they were different from himself, and therefore beyond compassion. those who spread derisiveness and bigotry, need to seriously consider the effect they're having.Whatever form of bigotry they spread. Whether it is anti - Semitism, anti - Gay, anti - Black, anti - Muslim, anti - Arab, anti - Sikh or anti - immigrant, it doesn't matter. They are all equally wrong, and they poison the well of public discourse, and harm us all. It is corrosive and harms real human beings.

Boycott? Sure! But riddle me this Batman...

First off, lets look at the definition of the word.....
1. to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion: to boycott a place of business.
2. to abstain from buying or using: to boycott foreign products.
                                                                                Dictionary.com
Y'all know me. I can rant and rave till the cows or the Christ Himself comes home. Now, with that being said, what the hell is wrong with this world? Why are we acting like children? "Not me Mommie!" "It was them,Mommie!" Huh? Whats up?

So, Chick-Fil-A {CFA from here on out} COO Dan Cathy says the company is based on Christian principles. Sent money to support Anti-Gay Marriage groups and the like. WOO HOO!! Have we all been in the closet {So to speak}? Since the 1980's I have known they were a Christian based business. Closed on Sundays so that workers can attend church. Now do we expect that a Christian based business WOULDN'T support a group that had their beliefs? Why has it taken the gay community so long to come out of its closet and realise this? We should have been protesting this long long ago, my friends.

But my argument isn't with my community. No. My argument is with the people in SUPPORT of CFA.
Groups like One Million Moms {OMM} and the like. OMM has decided to take on the boycott fight. From J.C.Penny's and Ellen DeGeneres to NBC television to what have you. All because the say we are pushing the "Gay Agenda". Yeah! Like were the mafia. OK,I Digress. Now where was I?...oh yeah. Well fair is fair,right? Not to them. It's all good to protest what you believe is happening but, DO NOT protest us and our beliefs! Christian groups all this country over are crying foul that CFA has had this protest turn up against them. How dare these gay groups protest CFA for their beliefs.

Well riddle me this...Why is it ok for them and not for others. Mike Hukabee claims we are protesting CFA's First Amendment right. No that's not it at all. You have every right in the world to say what you want, right? Well, no. the Supreme Court of the United States has said that you can not yell fire in a crowded theatre. That would cause harm to others that may run out. We have Slander laws. Liable laws. Hate speech laws.

This is about what they do, not what they say. Say your Christian. I do. Say you don't agree with another's way of life. I do. But don't support known hate groups that want others or wish others dead! Or want to do harm! That is the protest we should and shall do.

OMM protest a business that they claim is destroying the moral fiber of our nation. Their new one is against NBC Studios for their new show "The New Normal" A single mom becomes a surrogate for a gay couple.
Oh My!!! Whatever shall we do? Other shows have teen sex, pre-marital sex, murder, nudity...but this?!? This can not happen! In the immortal words of Chris Brown {singer} "NO HOMO". What would be their cry if we protested the 700 club? Protested Pat Robertson?

I used to like going to CFA once in a while. Now? Now that I know they want to supress me or the ones I love. Now that I have realised they are in support of hate groups? My business goes elsewhere. This week a Wendy's Burgers in North Carolina posted signs on 86 different franchises that read "we stand with chick-Fil-A". Well corporate headquarters made them remove them. "It is not our beleif." is their claim. Well they noe have MY support. Just wait...the Mike Hukabees of the world and the OMM's will probably cry foul!!

Tyler Clementi gets justice.......

                                  ......Guilty verdict for video spying!
For those of you who don't know or remember, allow me to refresh. Tyler is the man who jumped off the George Washington Bridge because he was rudely outed by his roommate Dahrun Ravi. This case has many implications towards the future. For those of you that use the Internet to harass or tease or BULLY! Beware the rest of the world watches. This is a tragic lesson for young people about casual cruelties and unintended consequences in the Internet age.

Dahrun Ravi was found guilty of all 15 charges against him. This includes invasion of privacy and anti-gay intimidation. The jury concluded that he not only spied on Tyler as he kissed another man, but also singled him out because Tyler was gay. He could get up yo 10 years in prison and be deported back to his native India even though he has lived here legally since he was a boy.

The most serious of charges....two counts of bias intimidation based on sexual orientation....carry up to 10 years in jail. Ravi was also convicted of seven counts of covering up his actions by instructing a friend what to tell investigators and deleting tweets and text messages. How many of YOU out there cyber-bullying think that just by deleting things you do, you won't be caught? Hmm?

Some of the jurors said that Ravis tweets, especially the one where he "dared" friends to watch the webcast, were key evidence in convicting him of the anti-gay intimidation. "That post, what it said, struck a chord in all of us." said juror Ed Dolan.

In letting this case go to trial, Ravi lost big. He and his lawyers rejected a plea bargain that would have spared him jail time and the prosecutors would have helped him avoid deportation.

But more importantly, this case is stirring up a national conversation about anti-gay bullying and teen suicide. It illustrates the dangers of technology in the hands of those who have grown up with the likes of Twitter and Facebook. "They don't feel its spying. It's their own iPhone or laptop they are using. Hopefully parents will use this as an example to their children." said Fordham Law Professor Annamarie McAvoy.
Rutgers student Melvin Ways said, "The lesson here is that not everything is meant to be publicized to the entire world, especially private matters and things that are personal to people."

Tylers father said it best. "Your going to meet a lot of people in your life. Some of these people you may not like. Just because you don't like them doesn't mean you have to work against them."

Rest in peace Tyler, rest in peace.

YES ITS BEEN A WHILE.

Sorry it's been so long. Lots to catch you all up on. First, me. I recently had heart surgery. 4 stents. Then the blood pressure wouldn't stabilize. YUCK! Then my computer had a heart attack. Had to go in for surgery. Then as I was under, my Mom died of a coronary. Think she knew? I do. Its ok though. She was in a home. Had stroke and alzhiemers. She's in a better place.  I am doing so much better myself. No need to fret over me.
Fret instead for the elections. This is becoming a freaking circus. I want to be there when the clown car shows up at the Republican convention and they all pour out. They can't blame the economy as it's getting WAY better. Thank you Mr. Obama. So they are now picking on Gays and Women.  If Mittins or Frothy Santorum ever do win the election....Canada looks really good. Little cold, but I'll get used to it.
Think that it will be a brokered convention? Then we may have another Bushie in the house. Or maybe Chris Christie. GOD FORBID! We are just going backwards to the 1950's.
I urge all of you to get out and vote this oming election. Or get out and get the vote out. We need to turn this house around and get the Democrats back.
But enough of this rant for now. I'll get back to regular blogging soon. I promise. Love to you all.
MUWAHHHHH!

2011 Ends with great LGBT strides.........except!

As this year come to a close, I would like to wish everyone a prosperous 2012. We have had some good times and some not so good. Almost rough you would say. We have had tremendous breakthroughs.

*Marriage Equality in New York
*DADT (Dont Ask, Dont tell) repealed
*Doma is no longer going to be defended by the Obama Administration
*Federal Policy and Immigration. Under the direction of President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton declares to the world that Human rights are Gay rights. The Administration put an end to the deportation of legally married foreign nationals of same sex American citizens.
*Extension of Federal Benefits

These are WONDERFUL strides towards equality. There is one more giant hurdle to leap. That is the hurdle of teen suicide. 34,000 teens attempt or fulfill suicide each year.
It is the 3rd. leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds. LGBT youth attempt it 4 times more than their peers.
In terms of school climate, approximately 25% of LGBT students have been harassed due to sexual orientation. LGBT students do not feel safe at school 3 times more, 22% vs 7% heterosexual students. 90%of LGBT students have been harassed or assaulted in 2011 vs 62% of non-LGBT teens.

Sexual minority youth or teens that identify themselves as LGBT, are bullied 3 times more than heterosexual teens. And almost ALL transgendered students have been verbally harassed. e.g. called names or threatened in the past year because of their sexual orientation. (89%) and gender expression (90%)
So as you can see, we still have great strides to go. It's great for LGBT adults to have their freedoms, but what about our youth? But I propose we do not just focus on LGBT teens in the coming year. It's a sad state of affairs that so many teens in America attempt or follow through with suicide. We send our children to school to be taught not taunted.

I'm reminded of the words of a great man. But, until we get these numbers down, I do not believe they can be said. When that day comes, then we can say........
"That's one small step for Man, one giant leap for Mankind"  
Astronaut Neal Armstrong, first man on the moon.

Thank You to the GLSEN site for their statistics. That's the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

Sorry...No room at this inn!

You know...I read a disturbing article the other day. An article by the group known as the Rainbow Sash Movement.This is an LGBT group who's main mission is to hold the Roman Catholic Church to a higher standard in regards to sexuality. This is a wonderful group. Please Youtube them. I promise you, you will like them.

Now, their article was on the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. It dealt with the high rate of homeless, hungry LGBT families that are out there in this world. We don't think of it, but yes, in this declining economy, we must look at the fact that even we LGBT'ers are affected. We've lost jobs. We've lost homes. And it's a sad fact that the nations two largest charitable organizations are...here I go...going to ruffle a few feathers...HOMOPHOBIC! Both organizations say that their religious beliefs on Homosexuality take precedence when it comes to taking care of the LGBT poor. In some cases, even refusing shelter to same sex couples unless they deny who they are and break up. REALLY? That's Christian? Where is that written? Not in my Bible!
I do not see Jesus the Christ healing the blind man or the centurions daughter, the lepers, the possessed or anyone with conditions! NO! He simply saw a need, fulfilled it.
The deed came not before the need. In fact it was the opposite. He filled the need and the deed followed.
I work in a major grocery store here where I live. I see the Salvation Army bell ringer every day. If they knew that he was as flamey as the Star of Bethlehem, his light would probably be without a job. And one of the women's shelters here is run by Catholic Charities. With a Big ole dykemeister in charge. I am beginning to think they treat us like the Black Entertainers of the 1950's.. It' ok to sing and dance for us, but do not sit at our tables or use our hotels.
So this holiday season I would like to remind ALL charitable groups the words of the Christ Himself..........
"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink.
I was a stranger and you took Me in";.....Then the righteous will answer and say
"Lord when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?
 Or see you as a stranger and take You in?".....And the King will answer "I say
 to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you
it to Me." Matthew 25:35-40.
May I say Merry Christmas...Happy Hanukkah....Happy Kwanzaa...Blessed Winter Solstice...Or whatever you believe.

NPR... what?

Sorry it's been a while. I've been busy at work. Also been watching the Penn State fiasco!

Recently, Warren Olney of  the "To the Point" NPR radio show, had on as his guest, Jerry Cox. Now Cox, a traditional family values man, represents the Arkansas Family Council. He stated that the American Physchological Association "Beliefs that Lesbian and Gay adults are not fit parents." This was on a subject relating to Penn State.

Now, if your going to quote...quote correctly! The APA does say "there is no scientific basis for concluding Lesbian mothers or Gay fathers are unfit parents. On the contrary, they are as likely as Heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children."

Before I continue, I need to do a little class here. Bare with me. Learn a litte.

PEDERASTY: sexual relationships, whether or not consummated, between an adult male and a boy aged 12-17. Greek..Pias-boy   Erastis-lover. Most often incorrectly used by media as another word for Pedohilia.
There have been many Pederast in history. Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, Emperor Hadrian, Mahmood Ghaznani, Pope Julius III, King James I, T.E.Lawrence, Tchaikovsky, Jules Verne, and the list goes on and on.
PEDOPHILE: an adult [male or female] who is sexually attracted to young children. No matter what the age.
Greek..Paedo-child   Philo-love.

OK here goes. It disgust me to no end when people use instances of child molestation to rail against Gay people. Homosexuals only want to be with other consenting adults.
Pederast, Pedophiles, Child-molesters are 90% Straight, Married with children people living an outward lie while they act on their perversion in private. Gay people are not like that!!!!

Coach Sandusky of Penn State, is a Pederast! He is not gay. He was not looking for sex with adult men. He is a child rapist and it involves children of the same sex...PEDERASTY. The idea that a child rapist is gay is a misconception people perpetuate when having these discussions.

If it were little girls, would Olney and his guest, Jerry Cox, question the validity of Heterosexuals adopting? Not to mention the "risk of allowing women to adopt if the abuser was female." What about the female teacher? Does this mean women can't adopt?

This past Monday, 11/14/11, Warren Olney offered an apology......
.....There is no connection between pedophilia and homosexuality and we never intended to say or imply there is. Our failure to make that distinction explicit was an oversight. We regret it, and we apologize.

You tell me. Sincere? Or just a quick save the program? Yet, the discussion still continues. Yet, we still get all the blame.

National Coming Out Day.......is it safe?

Tyler Clementi jumped off the George Washington Bridge.
Seth Walsh hung himself.
Asher Brown shot himself in the head.
Billy Lucas hung himself.
And now the latest...Jamey Rodemeyer hung himself in his family driveway.

Jamey was only 14 years old. He even did an "It gets better" video on Youtube. You see, Jamey came out. Oh sure, he had lots of support from family and friends. Friends to his face. But, behind his back? Those that hide behind a computer?
Jamey endured tons of cyber-bullying. On facebook...myspace....twitter. But wait, it gets better. At his sister's homecoming there was a tribute to Jamey. And from the crowd of kids there were chants of "Glad your dead." "Good riddance." They even bully a dead person!
I applaud the police in his town. They are going to investigate and see if charges can be filed against his bulliers. If so, this will be landmark. I wish to add to that and have them investigate the school teachers and counselors. They had to be at this homecoming. They should be held in aiding and abetting a crime. But, bullicide is not yet a crime. There is one charge that can be used. Cyber-terrorism is a crime. Has been since 9/11. And cyber-bullying is no different. It spreads terror into the hearts and minds of those receiving it.

I read recently that the Republican candidates for President say that kids should just get over it. That bullying is part of growing up. Growing up? It's alot worse now than when we were kids. We didn't have computers and cell phones that text. With the onset of social media, it has become alot worse for these kids.  Facebook..Myspace..Youtube..Twitter..texting...and the like are 24/7. These kids have no safe place from bullyers.

Lady GaGa did a tribute to Jamey in one of her concerts. He loved "Born this way" It lead to his coming out. She is really trying to push hard for anti-bullying laws to be enacted. But until that happens, let me give you a few places to turn to in times of crisis.

AngelsandDoves.com
Stompoutbullying.com
Pacer.org/bullying.com
overcomebullying.com
These are just a few of the place you can go to for advice on how to handle bullying. And if you know of someone that is considering harm to themselves, there is my favorite, Trevortalktome.org.

So this National Coming Out Day...Oct.11th...Lets make it a safe one for our younger generation. Coming out shouldn't be life threatening.

UPDATE....UPDATE......As of Oct.5th, one of the students who yelled slurs at the homecoming dance during Jameys tribute, has been suspended. This is believed to be the one who yelled "Your better off dead." Finally the a school is stepping up to the plate. Let this become the example to other schools.

Don't ask, Don't tell is DEAD!!

September 20, 2011 will be one of the most important days in the history of the LGBT community. At one minute past midnight, the new law repealling 1993's DADT was inacted. Presidet Obama stated that as of today "Patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are." He called it the discriminatory law known as 'DADT'. "Today, every American can be proud that we have taken another great step toward keeping our military the finest in the world and toward fulfilling our nations founding ideals."

Although there have been many ousted during DADT, there are a few that stick in my mind that must be proud of this day.
*Lt. Colonel Victor Fehrenbach. Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Lt.Col.Fehrenbach became the poster boy for what the military did under DADT. He outed himself to counter a bogus rape charge. He will retire with full rank and benefits.
*Lt. Dan Choi. Lt. Choi was discharged after outing himself with 37 other West Point Graduates. Dan continues to battle the White House on free speech matters and gay rights world wide.
*Air Force 1st. Lt. Josh Seefried. Better known as J.D.Smith from the Rachel Maddow show. He is the co-founder of Outserve, a voice for LGBT service members. Go to Outserves site and take a look at the Outserve Magazine on 100 Out Serving military members.  Makes you proud. Makes me want to rejoin.....their HOT!
*Last, but not least, there is a soldier I've been following. There is a Youtube site called AreYouSuprised. This is the nom de web of an anonymous soldier who discusses his experience of being gay in the military. He is no longer anonymous!!! He has posted a coming out to his father that will simply move you. I know I cried through the thing. My heart was pounding with him. If any of my straight friends wants to know the struggle it is to come out....watch this. Click on the link to your right.

So this is just a few that cme to mind. I stand and salute all those brave men and women in the armed forces. I am, and always will be, proud to be an American. This is the greatest country to live in. It is because of these brave men and women that we have this great country.
Straight..Gay..Lesbian..Bi-sexual..Transgendered..All soldiers, all walks of life.

Thank you. And thank you President Obama.

So really.....tell me the difference in law?

North Carolina Pastors are going to start to preach against Marriage Equality. See, N.C. is going to vote on a Constitutional Ammendment. Pastors statewide are using the bible and pulpit to proclaim what their God says. Now that is not my argument with them. They have that right. My argument with them is that they try every hand in the book to get us all to do Gods will. That they constantly go to Scripture for the law. "What does God say?" "What does Jesus say?" "What does the Bible say?" If they had it their way, there would be nothing done in this country unless it fit Gods book of laws. Sounds Theocratic to me. And last I checked, this was not a Theocracy.

Now, when it comes to Theocracy, there is a religion that does base everything on God and Gods Law. The religion of Islam. Many Christians condem them for their belief in Sharia Law. To define Sharia Law it is Muslim or Islamic Law, both civil and criminal justice as well as regulating individual conduct, both moral and personal. The custom -based body of law based on the Quran and Religion of Islam.

Let me take liberty and rephrase that. Christian law both civil and criminal, as well as regulating individual conduct, both moral and personal. The custom-based body of law based on the Bible and Holy Scriptures.

Now here's where I get stoned. WHAT THE HELL IS THE DIFFERENCE?!? Many Christians think they are the elite. They are the only righteous ones. Yet, when it comes to the laws of this land and the vote of the lawmakers, they want to throw the Bible in their faces. They used it against the slaves. They used it against the Jews. They used it against civil rights marchers. They use it to base their wars. It's been used and abused for so long. They even use it against themselves. To try and say their way of belief is better.

But to use it to try and change the laws of the land? That, my dear friend, is close to Sharia Law. I hear so many Christians condem Sharia. And I agree. It can not work.
That is whay there are so many sects of Islam. Sunni, Shiite, etc. They all have their way of interpreting it. Now, if we start using the Bible to make OUR laws, whos belief should it be?

Baptist? Penticostal? Presbyterian? Lutheren? Catholic? Maybe Mormon? Jehovahs Wittness? Christian Science? Calvin? Wesley? I know!!!!! PURITAN! that would cure it all. Afterall, they stoned you, beat you, imprisoned you for not following their ways.

So we really need to look inwards at ourselves and see just what God is saying to us on the law. It is a personal belief? or is it Christsharianity we need? Or is it to trust the law -makers we voted in.

Just asking.

Come out Come out Whoever you are.

This upcoming October 11th. will be National Coming Out Day. NCOD was created in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, a Psychologist from New Mexico, and Jean O'Leary, an openly gay political leader from Los Angeles. This date was selected for it is the anniversary date of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This is a time when people from all walks of life can be proud of themselves and of who they are.
Participants are encouraged to wear Pride Symbols such as Pink Triangle {Gay Men}, Black Triangle {Lesbian}, and rainbow style jewelry and clothing. Noting that the first two are taken from the Nazi Concentration camps. As to show that it doesn't bother anymore.
All 50 states observe this annual event as do 9 countries. Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, Croatia, Poland, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

But here's the thing, too many people, kids exspecially, are being forced deeper into the closet these days. Deeper for fear of being taunted and bullied. So, my challenge to you on this day is......If you know of someone that wants to come out to their parents and peers but is really afraid, be there for them. Join with them. Support them. Never ever turn away from them. If you suspect someone is contemplating harm to themselves because they are bullied. At home or school. Be there for them.

I'm going to give you one tool that will help you in this matter. There is a group out there Known as the Trevor Project. This Project was started by writer James Lecesne, director Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone.
Trevor is a short film about a 13 year old boy, who, after discovering all his peers and family rejected him, tries to commit suicide.
The group discoverd that there were no helplines or places for LGBT kids to go in time of need. Thus, Trevor Project was born.
For immediate help...1-866-4-U-Trevor.
There is a Youtube project called It Gets Better {Itgetsbetter.org}
The new one, and my personal favorite right now, a new project called Trevor Talk to Me {Trevortalktome.org}. If you know of anyone or suspect anyone wishing to do harm to themselves....3 words..Talk to me.  that's it...just..talk to me. Talk to me.
So as we celebrate National Coming Out Day, lets be aware of our younger brothers and sisters. We know from experience how they must be feeling. And these days? It's a whole hell of a lot worse on them.

So...Talk to me. It's ok. Just talk to me. Please?

Remembering Family This September 11th.

We, in the gay community, often times use the term "family" to describe one another. On this, the 10th. anniversary of the tragic terror attack to befall the United States, many names of family members will be read in ceremonies across the country. Let me tell you of a few of my "family" members. Just to keep their memories alive. To honor them. To uplift and keep in our hearts their spouses.

First and foremost, Father Mychal Judge. Father Mychal was the Catholic Chaplin of the NYFD. He was killed while ministering to a fallen firefighter. His helmet was given o the Pope. He was also the Grand Marshal {in spirit} of the 2002 Chicago St. Patricks Day Parade.

Mark Bingham {31}, a passenger on Flight 93. One of the passengers who tried to take back the aircraft. Mark was a member of the Gay Rugby League. On a taped cell phone message to his mother, Mark knew what was happening. He told his mother what was planned. September 16th. is officially Mark Bingham Day in San Francisco. The Gay Rugby League has started the Bingham Cup championships in his honor.

Carol Flynik {40}, American Flight 11. Survived by her partner of 13 years, Nancy Walsh.

David Charlebois, Co-Pilot of American Flight 77 which crashed into the Pentagon. Survived by his partner of nearly 13 years, Tom Hay.

Graham Berkeley {37}, killed on United Flight 175.

Pamela Boyce {43}, worked on the 92 floor of One World Trade Center. Survived by partner, Catherine Anello.

Ronald Gamboa {33} and partner Dan Brandhorst on United Flight 175. Also on board, their 3 year old adopted son, David.

James Joe Ferguson {39}, Director of Photograhy Education for the National Geographic Society on American Flight 77.

Jeffrey Collman, flight attendent on American Flight 11. Survived by partner of 11 years, Keith Brackowski.

John Keohane, was standing on the streets with partner of 17 years, Mark Lyons. Was talking on cell phone with his mother when he thought another plane had hit the tower. Tragically, it was Tower One collapsing. although Mark Lyons survived his injuries, he was to die of suicide on March 1st. 2002.

Wesley Mercer {70}, Security Personnel for Morgan Stanley. Rushed to the 44th. floor to supervise evacuations.Went back up to make sure all were evacuted. {Please note this was all done without the use of elevators}. Survived by partner of 26 years, Bill Randolph.

Sela Hein {51}, worked in he Pentagon for the U.S.Army's Management and Budget office. Survived by partner of 18 years, Peggy Neff.

Luke Dudek {50}, Food and Beverage controller for Windows on the World, a resturant at top of tower. This was his first day back to work after a week's vacation. He spent it renovating his partner of 20 years, George Cuellars, floral shop.

It was said by Edgar Rodriquez of the NYPD "As the days went by, we learned that some of the missing rescue personnel were gay, and that many of their lovers, some of whom are cops and firefighters, were grieving in silence for fear of outing them. Their were also gay cops and firefighters that lost family members that were rescue personnel. We learned too quickly and in too cruel a way that the closet is a terrible place to grieve".

Well said sir, well said.

Are you listening to me here?

Recent events on the East Coast have really been brought to light by Christian Fundamentalist. What with an earthquake and hurricane in almost a few months span. Pat Robertson of the 700 club says the crack in the Washington Monument is a sign from God. Michele Bachman claims "I don't know how much God has to do to get the attention of Politicians. He said 'Are you listening to me here?'"
OK..if you follow me at all you know I have my own strong Christian beliefs. So I have decided to use their own sword to fight back, just a little. Bear with me here.

1 Kings 19:11 & 12-Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire;and after the fire a still small voice.
Still small voice: to intimate that God would do His work in and for Israel in His own time, not by might or power, but by His own spirit which moves with a powerful, but yet, sweet and gentle gale.
Zechariah 4;6-So He answered and said unto me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of host.

So now we have Christian and Political leaders using these same tragedies for their gain and purpose.Hmmm. You know, the God I serve doesn't pick and choose whom to punish. Seems this great storm bypassed Canada. What with its Gay Marriage and all.
So no disaster has befallen them. No great earthquakes or Storms of the Century have fallen on Mexico. What with its Gay Marriage and all and it's drug cartels. So God just decided to strike the United States? PAHLEEZE!

I have been waiting to hear from someone about Texas. Texas has had the worst heat in it's history. People are dying from heat-stroke. Lakes and rivers are drying up. Corn crops are withering away. Could this be God? Is God angry with Texas? After all, it does harbour alot of hate and prejudice. Right? Oh wait.....it is home to one of the biggest right winged fundamentalist in Politics. Rick Perry. And one of our past Presidents. George "W" Bush. So God couldn't be upset with Texas, right? So whats the big difference? Do you serve a God that picks and chooses? I know I don't. And if anything, I see it more in Scripture where God punishes believers more harshly than non-believers. So Texas should be obliterated!

Now Ms. Bachman, I do not believe this hurricane to be a wake up call to politicians on the economy. To send a hurricane to harm hundreds and destroy billions of dollars worth in this economy is just insane. Instead of blaming God for adding to this bad economy, why not show us the Christian love that you so profess to have. Go to the effected areas and help then rebuild. Rebuild their homes, their lives, and even, maybe, their souls.

One of her spokespersons later said "Obviously she was saying it in jest." Given her view, it's not that obvious. And you JEST about blaming God? Blame God when you do not get the nomination or the Presidency. I hope Christian America noticed.

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GOProud just blew it.

Recently, while checking out one of my followed blogs, I ran across this. Joe.my.God reports that GOProud Chairman, Chris Barron, tweeted "If Bachman is responsible for bullying in her district, is Pelosi responsible for STD's in her district? Just wondering."
WTF? This from a Gay man? I could feel the steam start coming from my ears {you know, like an old cartoon character}. I was left speachless. One comment I liked was from LKINDC. "If Pelosi was running around telling people that condems were immoral and there was a spike in STD's in her district, then, yes it would be reasonable to ask if she bore some responsibility. She's not. So it isn't". As with much of the Republican party these days, Mr. Barron hasn't done his homework. Pelosi has spoken out against STD's and works on stopping the spread, whereas, Bachman does nothing to stop the spread of bullying.  She spreads it! She has even worked against anti-bullying efforts in her own home district. While were at it, on the subject of STD's, Chris Barron should check other fellow Republicans.
State Senator Ruben Diaz {R.-New York}, you know, the one who calls himself "Senator Reverend"? Well, he is against NYC's proposed Sex Education Program. Now it is noteworthy that his own home district, the Bronx, has the highest HIV rate in the nation. So who's really responsible for STD's in their district, Mr. Barron?

I do not understand why any homosexual albeit Far Right, Conservative, Moderate, Left-wing, would choose to even use a slap like STD's. With many of our brothers and sisters dead or dying of these dieases, how or why would any self respecting Homosexual would go to such extremes. You, sir, have just lost my respect. In a recent blog, I stated my support for GOProud. The way CPAC treated you was unfair. But you have just been unfair to your community. You are no better than the vile, disgusting bullies that taunt our community. For you to put that out there into cyberspace? For some red-neck fool to read? I hope that there aren't any sick or dying in there neighborhood.
And for those of you questioning Joe.my.God for reporting this? Be glad someone is out there looking for the crack-nuts. we need to be informed of any hate that is spread to our community. I thank you Joe. Keep up the good work.
If this is the shared believe of GOProud members, then they have no reason to ask why CPAC tossed them out. If not, then time to rethink whos your Chairperson.

NOM's Marriage Pledge...possible? I don't think so.

Romney, Bachman, Pawlenty have all put their name to a piece of paper that I say has less use than toilet paper. It states that if elected President, they pledge to do 3 things

*Federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
*Defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court.
*Commission an investigation into the harassment of traditional marriage supporters.

The one that has me laughing is the Constitutional Amendment. Authority to amend the Constitution comes from Article V of the Constitution. I do not think these people have done their homework. If they did, they would know the President has NOTHING to do with this process. I honestly think they believe none of us red-neck, bible toting, backwoods Americans know this. Well yee-haw! Allow me to introduce you to the process.

Article V of the Constitution states:
*Congress shall propose an amendment to the Constitution.
*It shall take a 2/3's vote in the House and Senate.
*The Archivist of the United States then shall notify the State Governors.
*The Governors shall notify their State Legislators.
*It then becomes law after being ratified by three-fourths of the States.

In today's culture of 2011, that would mean that 38 of the 50 States need to ratify and 13 to kill the deal. As of right now? 9 States allow Same Sex Marriage. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont. California is on its way.
Although the President is not required to sign it into law, they may do so as pure ceremony. i.e.: President Johnson with the 24th and 25th amendments and President Nixon along with 3 young scholars with the 26th amendment.
I shutter with fear on the last one. The Commission to Investigate. That just sounds too Nazi-istic S.S. for me. Shades of the 1950's Senator McCarthy's Red Scare. To those too young, that's the Rooting out of Communism that destroyed half of Hollywood. Homo sexuals were included.

The one thing this paper fails to mention is the divorce rate destroying traditional marriage. The divorce rate among traditional marriage is between 41-50%. States that recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 41.2%, States that do not recognise Same Sex Marriage, the rate is 50.3%. Massachusetts, which has recognised since 2004, the rate of divorce has actually gone down20.7%.

So sign on my friends. As your friends all get divorced and leave their traditional marriages, what are YOU doing to save them? As they are becoming "One Parent" households, what are YOU doing to help them? NOM leaders say it should be up to the people. Well, which is it? Up to the people or a Congressional Constitutional Amendment? You say one thing, yet, do another. Shades of the 2000 election. FLIP-FLOP. You should be focusing more on whats causing this rise in Traditional Divorce Rate. Focusing more on the Economy. Focusing more on the two war fronts. Instead? your focusing on one small minute part of American Culture. But I guess that's your back-door way of tossing in your Fundamentalists Religious views. So, if you want to use the Constitution against law abiding Americans, use it all. Remember, there is a separation of Church and State in the Constitution.
I want you to know that we're watching. Sum of us aint that stoopid. We's know when yer lyin' ta us. Later Gaters!









5

A Message to Fudamentalist..and whoever wants to read.

Many of you know that the Lord comes first..the gay second. But what most of you don't know is that I did go to a Missionary school. I was studying to be a Bible based Counselor. Lately, while listening to all the rhetoric from the far right on gay community and bible law, I have had placed on my heart to write to the far right fundies. All my friends, bear with me on this. Enjoy the reading. This is a bit wordy. But trust me y'all! I do have a pointive message.

Luke 10:30-37:Then Jesus answered and said:"A certain man went down to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who robbed him, stripped him of his clothes, wounded him, and left him for dead. Now by chance a certain priest saw him and passed by on the other side of the road. Likewise a Levite came, looked at him, and passed on the other side as well. But a certain Samaritan came and saw him and had compassion.So he went to him, bandaged him, poured oil and wine on the wounds, brought him to an inn and took care of him. So which of these three was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" And they answered "He who showed mercy on him" and Jesus said "Go and do likewise."

Little history here...Samaritans were the most hated people at the time. Travellers would go miles out of their way to avoid Samaria. Why use a Samaritan? Read on.

This story may be the most misinterpreted of all the parables of Jesus. This is not just a story of a traveller doing a good deed. If that was the case, then no reason to make the "good" man a Samaritan. Any ordinary decent man would have done just as well. But a Samaritan? This turns the world upside down.
This is a story about the doer, not the deed.This is a story about the Kingdom of God. Jesus is telling His audience that the Kingdom of God will turn human values and judgments upside down.
Old ideas will be reversed.  A person who was once despised (the Samaritan[homosexual]) will be held up as an example. Traditionally revered figures (Priest and Levites[fundamentalist]) and attitudes will be rejected.
This is not a condemnation story on the Priest and Levites. their behavior is consistent with what they stand for--ritual holiness as a mark of respect for Gods law and worship.
But Jesus condemns people who scrupulously follow an external law rather than be guided by internal conscience. It is a damning indictment of comfortable, entrenched  prejudices, and a clarion call to adopt the new values, the new ways of living, that will be the Kingdom of God.

And just as in John 4:6-28, We see Jesus speaking with a woman at the well. A Samaritan woman. She, herself, is marveled that a Jew is speaking to her. Jesus even calls her out. "Go to your husband..." "I have no husband..." Jesus says right you are "For the man you live with is not your husband, you have had five." This is a grave sin in these days. Throughout this whole story, even after she recognised that He was the Messiah, do we see Jesus asking her to repent of her sins? No. He accepted the  Samaritan woman as she was. A SAMARITAN.

Time will come that the Fundamentalist Christian will know that ALL are accepted into the Kingdom of God. Yes, we Samaritans, not all faithful followers mind you, are loved by Jesus.

When I came out to myself, I remember the weeping and wailing I did.  I screamed at God for doing this to me. Why do you have me here at this school full of Pharisees and Levites? Why must I be gay in this Christian world that hates me? And the answer I received was "Do not hate yourself my child. I have big plans for you. I do not make
mistakes. It is all for my plan."  I believe the Lord came to me as a Samaritan at the well. Who cares if I'm Samaritan [homosexual]. go and do His work. Go into Samaria [gay community] and draw others unto Him. It has been my mission, up to now, to show Gods love to a hurt community. Too many Pharisees and Levites [fundamentalist] condemn instead of love. This is the story of the "Good Samaritan" The Pharisees and Levites condemned. the Samaritan Loved. I hope to always be that Samaritan.

*please note that Bible references are from the KJV {King James Version} with paraphrasing by me.

GOProud. Not my cup o' tea, yet gets my support.

Recently, our Republican side of the Family has been slapped in the face. Now as a long standing Democrat, and a Kennedy style one at that, I need to say something in their defense. GOProud is the Republican Gay group and they were told by CPAC , the Conservative Political Action Committe, that they were not going to be invited or allowed to join the next convention. Now, they may enter as individuals, just not as a group in whole. Is this another attempt to quiet the gay population? You be the judge. They are not out their pushing for any "gay agenda" in the GOP. They are there for the same purpose. The same beliefs as other fellow Republicans. They too would like the removal of Obama. They too are pushing for more conservatism in the political arena. Nowhere is it found that they are pushing gay rights, marriage rights, DADT, DOMA.

It just seems that the good ole boys in the GOP don't like gays. PERIOD. When you have groups like Focus on the Family saying that they are working on CPAC problems from the inside, and this arises, what is one to think?  What problems? Here is a group the fully supports the Republican party. More so than most everyday Joe Die Hard Repubs. When Focus was on Capitol Hill recently, for the DOMA hearings, their spokesperson said he didn't see where it caused harm. SHOT DOWN. Now to reload, they go after their own supporters. Why do I hear a line from The Wizard of Oz? "I'll get you my pretties! And your little dog Toto, too!"

Just the other day, Conserva-nut Ann Coulter, was on T.V. On the Joy Behar Show, {love her!}. "Enough of the "Gay" already", she exclaimed. "Why are they pushing it down our throats?" "Stop it." Well, as one of the main speakers in CPAC, did or does she know of GOProud? Most GOProud members support her. Believe in her. She can't even defend them? NoWay! Their Gay!!!!!!! "It makes me sick" {Her words}.

Well, to my Republican brothers and sisters, I say "Hats Off". You go kids! You will have THIS Democrats support from now on. I used to think "What the hell? Are they nuts? How can you support the Repubs that don't like you?" You are in the midst of the largest group of Bulliers in America. The Bully pulpit of Teddy Roosevelt is not the same anymore. Its used to discriminate. To demean. To degrade. From the inside.
To be able to support a group that knowingly hates, knowingly goes against the Constitution and discriminates, takes loads of courage. More courage than I believe I have. Kudos and Standing ovation to you all!!

And to the Republic..........not DEMOCRACY!

If you've ever said the Pledge of Allegiance then you've said.."And to the Republic for which it stands..." Rather interesting that word republic, don't you think? Oh trust me. I do have a rant and rave. I will get to it soon, I promise. But first,let me give the definitions of the two words republic and democracy.

Republic: A Government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them.
Democracy:  Government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

A Republic State is one in which the people elect representatives to perform the job of governing.  One in which we trust our leaders to do the jobs for us.

A Democratic State is one in which All eligible people have equal say in decisions that affect their lives. ie: development and passage of legislation into law.

Now here's where I really get started..
THE UNITED STATES IS A REPUBLIC NOT A DEMOCRACY!
Article IV of the Constitution "guarantee's to every State in the Union a Republican form of Government"
Recently, here in California, our Governor signed legislation that requires LGBT history to enter our history books in the near future. There has been an outcry of Fundamentalist. They are going to start a petition drive to have it on the ballot to stop this legislation. Do they not trust their government to do its job? Do they not trust the Republic? It just seems to me that there has been a lot of temper tantrums lately.
And what with the Marriage of New York? NO NO NO! Mustn't do that. We don't like it. WAHHHH! Dear God in Heaven....wait until it happens Federally. We've elected people to do a job and we have the nerve to say we can do it better? If you can do it better, than get off your butts and run for the job yourself. Show me your stuff. Convince me to elect you.In the mean time....live by the Pledge that you so hardily defend....
"And to the REPUBLIC for which it stands. One Nation,... indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"
Oh dear me..did I just say the words liberty, justice, for all, in the same sentence? I feel another blog coming on. See ya later kids.

365gay.com | DADT repeal certified by Obama, waiting period begins

365gay.com DADT repeal certified by Obama, waiting period begins
6..5..4..3..2..1..Ok...so from this date we have 60 days. Hmm...September 20th. It is my underlying belief that the Prez has method behind his madness. A thought to ponder for you all. Could the Prezman be sending the Republicans a message? Now...remembering we are discussing DOMA (Defense of marriage act) in the Senate...how many of our serving Homosexual brothers and sisters have spouses? Is Mr. Obama forceing their hand? Could the Prezman be setting them up? Setting up for what, you asked? Well ponder this my little chik-a-dees! How many times during the Bush Admnistration and this on-going war, have we been told that we need to support the soldier in every way we can? Now how will it look if the repeal of DOMA fails on a Republican majority? It was under this same majority that Mr. Clinton signed it into law. HIS hands were tied. How will it look if we allow them to serve, yet not introduce their spouse. Not have the same benefits as the other soldiers. Not be allowed medical, death benefits, houseing, etc. If we want the repeal of DOMA in the United States, then this is a sure-fire method of haveing it done. No Republican, or any politician for that matter, wants to be construde as not supporting an American Soldier. Brilliant plan Mr. President! Ok...so from this date we have 60 days. Hmm...September 20th. The repeal of DOMA perhaps? The plot thickens! More to follow my friends, more to follow.