A Christmas Letter to My Gay Son

My dear Jacob,

As I was going through a box of keepsakes, I came across a Christmas list you had written when you were a young boy. On the list were things we could easily find in stores, and I always enjoyed finding them for you, wrapping them up and putting them under our tree. You were always so appreciative and opened them with great joy. The joy Papa and I felt was even greater.

There is only one gift I want to give you this year. I have wanted to give it to you for many years. I have tried in every way possible to find a way to give it to you. It would bring me the greatest joy of all.

How do I give you equality? How do I give you back the years you have missed "not being equal" in this world?

Your high school and college years should have been ones where you dated and went to proms and dances with someone you were attracted to and wanted to spend time with as a couple. You should not have had to spend those years working for your equality. You should not have had to defend your dignity. You should not have had to miss out on the simple pleasures of a young teen and a young adult.

There is no way I can give you back those years, those times when you should have been having fun, enjoying life, and growing from those experiences.

You had a passion for justice even as a child. I remember when you were 4 and refused to eat supper until I had actually written the check for Save the Children. You were the watchdog in your kindergarten classroom after you felt your teacher was wrong to rip up a child's painting in front of the class in her effort to teach them to write their names on their papers. On that day you spoke truth to power so eloquently as you confronted your teacher after school.

As soon as you came out to us, you wanted to start a gay/straight alliance at your high school. We worried for your safety, but even more for the isolation it might have brought as you worked to make it happen. You reached out to students, teachers, and the administration and created your school's first gay/straight alliance. When you were in college and heard that there were students being kicked out of colleges simply because they were gay, you founded the Soulforce Equality Ride to confront that terrible wrong.

Each of those times you taught me to take action and not be silent in the face of injustice. You have led me, and you have taught me throughout your life.

Maybe that is why it is so hard for me to face Christmas each year and not be able to wrap up the one gift I most want to give you. As a mother, it is such a part of my being to want to nurture and love my children. It is the mother in me that wants to protect and provide for you. It is the mother in me that is hurting so much when I am helpless in being able to give you the one gift I have wanted to give you since the day you told us you were gay.

I want to give you equality. I want to wrap it up in a beautiful box, and I want to put it under our tree right now. I want to see you open it on Christmas Eve and with great joy live with it all your days.

I love you,

Mama

2011 Marriage Equality Year in Review

2011 -- what a year for marriage equality. We're still not ready to get married yet, but wow we are so close. Think about where we were a year ago -- so much has happened. Let's do a quick year-in-review to look at all the amazing stuff of 2011, and look ahead to where we're going to win in 2012.

Gay-Inclusive Display Vandalized at Calif. Church

A gay-inclusive Christmas display at a Claremont, Calif., church was vandalized over the weekend, and police are calling the incident a hate crime.

The display at Claremont United Methodist Church, located in a college town east of Los Angeles, featured silhouettes of three couples holding hands: one male couple, one female couple, and one male-female couple. Someone knocked over the figures of the gay couples sometime late Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning, TV station KTLA reports.

The vandalism is classified as a hate crime “because of the content of the artwork that was damaged and the fact that it was on a place of worship or at a church,” Claremont police lieutenant Mike Ciszek told the station.

The United Methodist Church, as a denomination, does not endorse same-sex marriage, but some churches, including the Claremont congregation, have joined the Reconciling Ministries Network, fighting for LGBT equality within United Methodism.

Hopeful the next generation isn't confined to gender roles

Men Play Games At Bar Urinals

Being Gay is a Gift from God

Gay marriage repeal a top issue in New Hampshire

Repealing New Hampshire’s gay marriage law, legalizing casinos and changing the constitution to bar an income tax are among the hottest topics facing the Legislature heading into 2012, but lawmakers might not vote on these issues until after the Jan. 10 presidential primary.

House Republican Leader D.J. Bettencourt says the House most likely won’t cast its votes until Jan. 11 or Jan 18. Bettencourt says the presidential candidates should have the spotlight until after the primary

That's so gay?

Canadian vaccine ready for human trials.

Twelve Days Of...

Straighten Up Christmas

THE DIGITAL STORY OF THE NATIVITY

Cradle in Bethlehem

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

The Sancity of Christmas

"Gay Liberation Movement" May "Morph Into Something Like The KKK"

Cardinal Francis George Warns That Chicago Gay Pride Parade Might 'Morph Into Ku Klux Klan': MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Joyful, Joyful

GOP House Leader Gavels In And Out Blocking Dem Tax Cut Vote Attempt

Christmas This Year

Two Women Share 1st Kiss at US Navy Ship’s Return

A Navy tradition caught up with the repeal of the U.S. military’s "don’t ask, don’t tell" rule on Wednesday when two women sailors became the first to share the coveted "first kiss" on the dock after one of them returned from 80 days at sea.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta of Placerville, Calif., descended from the USS Oak Hill amphibious landing ship and shared a quick kiss with her partner, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell of Los Angeles. The crowd screamed and waved flags around them.

Both women, ages 22 and 23 respectively, are fire controlmen in the Navy. They met at training school and have been dating for two years.

Navy officials said it was the first time on record that a same-sex couple was chosen to kiss first upon a ship’s return.

Miss California USA Conducts GMCLA

The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles performs 'Chanukah in Santa Monica'

Minnesota Catholic Bishop Nienstedt Asks State's Catholics to Recite Anti-Gay 'Marriage Prayer' at Mass

Virulent anti-gay Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt, the guy who spearheaded a mass mailing last year of 400,000 anti-gay DVDs, has created a special "marriage prayer" which he is asking the state's Catholics to recite during Mass in an effort to create support for the anti-gay amendment on Minnesota's ballot in November 2012.
Here is Nienstedt's prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Through the powerful intercession of the Holy Family, grant to this local Church the many graces we need to foster, strengthen, and support faith-filled, holy marriages and holy families.

May the vocation of married life, a true calling to share in your own divine and creative life, be recognized by all believers as a source of blessing and joy, and a revelation of your own divine goodness.

Grant to us all the gift of courage to proclaim and defend your plan for marriage, which is the union of one man and one woman in a lifelong, exclusive relationship of loving trust, compassion, and generosity, open to the conception of children.

We make our prayer through Jesus Christ, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Earlier this year, Nienstedt instructed every priest in the state to push for passage of the amendment. This appears to be another component of his evil plot.

Obama's Gay Marriage Views Will Evolve Before 2012 Election

In the New Yorker, former Clinton aide Richard Socarides writes on marriage equality and Obama's new political reality:

During the Clinton years, gay marriage was a relatively new issue and most Americans did not yet understand it. No one could be “gay-married” anywhere. When the Republican-led Congress presented Clinton with the Defense of Marriage Act a few short months before the 1996 election, I and members of the White House staff struggled in vain to come up with ways the President could veto it and stay consistent with what was then his stated opposition to the granting of marriage rights. (Clinton has since changed his mind.)

But now, the remarkable new reality for Obama in this election is that supporting marriage equality is smart politics.

Predicting this new reality along with DOMA will force Obama's hand before the election:

Many of the lawyers who follow these cases closely—and as one who served as an adviser to President Clinton on gay rights, I include myself in that category—believe that the odds favor marriage advocates. If so, these twin rulings from influential courts will have a substantial impact. The Supreme Court would likely hear final appeals by 2013.

The potential for those decisions, together with a rapid change in public opinion in favor of marriage equality, have clearly become factors in President Obama’s thinking. As a result, I believe that he will announce his support for same-sex marriage before the 2012 election.

'Big Gay Round-Up'

The Colbert Report
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United Nations’ landmark report calls for worldwide decriminalization of same-sex relations

The United Nations has produced its first ever report on LGBT rights, calling for the decriminalization of same-sex relations between consenting adults, and includes a call for protection and recognition of the self-identified gender of transgender persons.

The report comes following a request by the UN Human Rights Council’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, following an historic resolution in June of this year.

According to the report, “In all regions, people experience violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

We told Dads they're going to be Grandpas

'Don't Do This!'

Rick Santorum Blames Same-Sex Marriage For Plummeting Rates Of Marriage Across The Nation

Rick Santorum blamed gays for plummeting marriage rates in a bizarre tweet reacting to a Pew poll.

Think Progress LGBT notes: "Today, barely half of Americans over the age 18 are married. But Pew attributes the decline not to same-sex marriage — which would actually increase rates — but a combination of factors including: the social acceptance of cohabitation, a greater emphasis on higher education and career development, and the desire to develop financial independence before tying the knot."

Rosie Sends Gaydar Gun to Michele Bachmann

Rosie O'Donnell tests the reliability of the gaydar gun, pointing it at members of her studio audience and saying she'd sent one to Michele Bachmann to use on her husband, Marcus.

‘One of our big jobs is to promote LGBT acceptance’

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

In their first television interview, Tyler Clementi’s parents Jane and Joe Clementi talked with NBC’s Kerry Sanders on Monday, telling her that the loss they still feel is “almost like a physical pain.”

“It’s like a tightening of the chest. It’s aching of the muscles and tightening of your face and your jaw and you’re clenching, and it just physically hurts,” said Jane Clementi.

Fox News invites anti-LGBT guests to justify discrimination against transgender Macy’s customer

During a December 11 segment on Fox News, host Shannon Bream invited former Macy’s employee Natalie Johnson and Mathew Staver, founder of the anti-LGBT Liberty Counsel, to discuss Johnson’s recent termination from her job in San Antonio, Texas.

Johnson was fired earlier this month after she violated Macy’s non-discrimination policy by challenging a transgender teenager who chose to use the woman’s changing room. With the help of the Liberty Counsel, she has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

George Clooney: "Gay and lesbian people are born equal in dignity and rights"

Superstar George Clooney came out in support of gay and lesbian rights as he became the first actor to accept a role in Dustin Lance Black’s Los Angeles production of “8,” which reenacts the courtroom drama of the Proposition 8 trial.

“It is astonishing that gay and lesbian Americans are still treated as second-​class citizens,” Clooney said. “I am confident that, very soon, the laws of this nation will reflect the basic truth that gay and lesbian people — like all human beings — are born equal in dignity and rights.”

Gay Family Vs. Homophobic Mayor...And the Winner is...

Fox News ‘Stunned’ By Its Own Poll That Says President Obama Will Win

He Died Waiting to Get Married

Derence Kernek and Ed Watson, who recorded a video for California’s 9th Circuit Court, requesting that they allow Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Prop 8 to stand. This request was because Watson had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and they wanted to be married while he still had memories of their 40 years together.

Last night, on the eve of these arguments, Ed passed away due to complications from his quickly-advancing Alzheimer’s and Diabetes. They were never married.

Colbert Takes On Perry's Anti-Gay Christmas Ad

The Colbert Report
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Brokeback Perry

Rick Perry Doubles Down on Attacks Against Gays

Rick Perry - Weak, man.

Jacob Rogers took his own life because of anti-gay bulling

Direct Democracy Is 'Clearly Flawed'

The Daily Show took on California's ballot initiative system with a segment called "California's Direct Democracy Troubles."

God Will Punish The Nation because of Obama's Gay Rights Directive

Rick Perry Strong?

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers on Auction Block

The holy grail of movie memorabilia, the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, are expected to fetch $3 million when they’re auctioned in Los Angeles on December 16.

‘Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights’

In an historic policy speech delivered Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for LGBT human rights protections around the globe.

Clinton outlined several steps the United States government will take to advance equal treatment of LGBT people under the law, and outlined in a Presidential memo that was released today by the White House.

More Than 100K Sign Petition to Reconsider Gay Marriage in Maine

"Gay-rights activists in Maine gathered more than 35,000 signatures on Election Day to support a 2012 ballot imitative that would allow same-sex couples to get marriage license, reported Equality Maine.

In 12 weeks volunteers were able to collect more than 100,000 signatures.

"Not only were we incredibly successful at gathering signatures at the polls today, but volunteers all over the state met voters who have changed their minds on this issue in the last two years," said Betsy Smith, EqualityMaine executive director.

NY Woman Sues School District for Failing to Stop Bullying of Her Gay Son

Traci Lanzone, the mother of a Marion, NY high school student is suing the school district, claiming that the school has failed to address the anti-gay bullying of her son, WHAM13 reports:

Traci Lanzone filed the lawsuit in federal court last week. She claims her son, who is not identified in court papers, has been relentlessly bullied over the last two school years. The harassment ramped up when he told classmates he is gay.

“Everything from being pushed, kicked, having food thrown at him, his clothes being hidden…it was just relentless,” Lanzone said.

Lanzone said she complained to Marion officials at least 30 times about the bullying. Her son also complained, but Lanzone said the harassment continued. Court papers say classmates carved anti-gay slurs into desks and yelled obscenities.The boy remains a student in the high school.

Jon Stewart Mourns the End of Herman Cain's Campaign

Obama Directs International Agencies to Ensure Rights and Protection of LGBT People Abroad

President Obama today issued a memorandum directing the heads of Executive Departments and Agencies abroad to advance the human rights of and ensure the safety of LGBT people.Writes Obama in the memorandum, which you can read below:

The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States commitment to promoting human rights. I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world -- whether it is passing laws that criminalize LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations, or killing men, women, and children for their perceived sexual orientation. That is why I declared before heads of state gathered at the United Nations, "no country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere." Under my Administration, agencies engaged abroad have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. Our deep commitment to advancing the human rights of all people is strengthened when we as the United States bring our tools to bear to vigorously advance this goal.

By this memorandum I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.

Agent of Change

Cheat Sheet for Thursday’s Prop 8 Hearing

Bachmann Left Speechless After Encounter With 8-Year-Old Boy

At a book signing in South Carolina, an 8 year-old boy named Elijah whispered to Michele Bachmann, "Miss Bachmann, my mommy's gay but she doesn't need any fixing."

I Will Stop Judges From Telling People What The Law Says

Michele Bachmann on Fox News Sunday told host Chris Wallace that as president she will stop judges from telling people what the laws are, tying into the very essence of what the Tea Party stands for: Don’t tell me what to do.



As any ten year old knows, the job of a judge, especially, say, judges on the Supreme Court, is to interpret and explain laws and pass judgment based on those interpretations.

Troy High Gay-Straight Alliance to Take on the Mayor

Kentucky Congregation Overturns Ban On Interracial Couples

An eastern Kentucky church under a firestorm of criticism since members voted to bar mixed-race couples from joining the congregation overturned that decision Sunday, saying it welcomes all believers.

Stacy Stepp, pastor of the Gulnare Free Will Baptist Church in Pike County, told The Associated Press that the vote by nine people last week was declared null and void after it was determined that new bylaws can't run contrary to local, state or national laws. He said the proposal was discriminatory, therefore it couldn't be adopted.

Stepp said about 30 people who attended church services voted on a new resolution that welcomes "believers into our fellowship regardless of race, creed or color."

The issue came up at the tiny all-white Appalachian church after the daughter of church secretary Dean Harville visited over the summer with her boyfriend, who is from Africa, and the two sang for the congregation.

Harville said he was approached in August by Melvin Thompson, the church member who crafted the resolution to bar mixed-race couples, and was told that his daughter and her boyfriend were no longer allowed to sing at the church.

Thompson has said he is not racist and called the matter an "internal affair."

What's going on...

Many of us have experienced the pain of teen bullying first-hand, and we’d reel from its effects in our room, hidden to the world. Thanks to a little thing called YouTube, bullied 14-year-old Jonah Mowry is going viral on the internet.

Hershey School Rejects HIV-Positive Philly Boy

"A private boarding school connected with the Hershey chocolate company says it was trying to protect other students when it denied admission to a Philadelphia-area teenager because he is HIV-positive.

The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit on behalf of the unidentified boy in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia on Wednesday, claiming the Milton Hershey School for disadvantaged students violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

School officials acknowledged that the 13-year-old boy was denied admission because of his "medical condition." They said they believed it was absolutely necessary to protect the health and safety of the 1,850 others enrolled in the residential institution, which serves children in pre-kindergarten to 12th grade and where students live in homes with 10 to 12 others."

Love is...

Britain's Manliest Man Bares All For Elton John Charity

Rugby star Sacha Harding has bared all for a photo shoot for the U.K. magazine Gay Times to support Elton John’s AIDS foundation.

“AIDS is such a devastating disease for so many people around the world and I was honored to get this opportunity to try and do my part to help raise awareness of the disease and ultimately save lives," Harding says.

Last year Harding, who plays with Bedford Blues, was also voted "Britain’s manliest man" after winning a nationwide competition organized by men’s grooming brand the Bluebeards Revenge.

Harding is one of 54 men to appear in the magazine's annual "naked issue." Darren Scott, the editor of Gay Times, says in a statement that he was delighted to feature Harding on the front cover. "How could we not have Britain's manliest man on our cover?" he asks. "Our readers do like their men to be real men! It's an absolute joy to have a straight rugby player be so willing to take part in a shoot for Britain's longest-running gay magazine."

Harding is happy to help a cause he believes in. “I know I’m going to get some stick from the lads at Bedford but it’s all good fun and the whole campaign has a very serious message which needs promoting,” he says.

Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans with HIV don’t have infection under control

"Only about 1 in 4 Americans with the AIDS virus have the infection under control with medications, federal health officials said Tuesday.

Part of the reason is that about 20 percent of those infected with HIV don’t know it. People can have an infection for years without developing symptoms."

Exodus Internationalmay be facing 'Social And Financial Oblivion'

As the Ex-Gay Watch blog is reporting, Exodus International President Alan Chambers organized a Nov. 16 meeting in an effort to keep the struggling Florida-based organization afloat. Among those who attended were Exodus officials, other prominent religious leaders (including Gabe Lyons) and many lay people, including those who once counted themselves in the so-called "ex-gay" camp but may now be fully "gay affirming," according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity to the blog's staff.

The blog had previously speculated about problems at Exodus International, noting that staff cuts, the loss of key alliances and shifting views on homosexuality among the American public had been contributing to its demise. In recent years, the organization -- whose goal is "Mobilizing the body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality," according to its mission statement -- has increased its international efforts, allegedly finding less opposition to their message abroad.

The movement as a whole suffered another blow last month, when John Smid, former director of the ex-gay Christian ministry Love in Action (a Exodus affiliate), came forward saying that not only that he is gay, but that it is impossible to change one's sexual orientation. "For me, I am married, I've been married for 22 years, I love my wife dearly, we have an amazing relationship," said Smid, who resigned as Love In Action's executive director in 2008. "But at the same time, I do experience homosexuality...it's a part of my history, it's a part of the life that I live."

Barney Frank Caused Millions To Become Gay and Contract HIV/AIDS

Congressman Barney Frank, 71, who announced Monday after 30 years in office he will not seek another term, is the subject of a rant by Bryan Fischer, the public face of the certified anti-​gay hate group, American Family Association, who suggested on his radio program yesterday that Barney Frank is responsible for millions of people contracting HIV/​AIDS.

“Who knows how many people were drawn or encouraged in some way by Barney Frank’s example to dabble in a lifestyle that eventually cost them their health and maybe even cost them their lives,” Fischer said.

Congressman Frank, while imperfect, has done more good for America than Bryan Fischer could ever hope to achieve

Much Ado About Stuffing

The Daily Show
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Tennessee Tea Party Says Good-bye to Barney Frank

The Tennessee Tea Party bids a fond farewell to Barney Frank:

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/11/tennessee-tea-party-says-good-bye-to-barney-frank.html#ixzz1f8IOCfPD

Today show host Savannah Guthrie began a series of questions for Congressman Barney Frank about this retirement announcement which ultimately had him offering a sarcastic congratulations.

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

Anti-gay activists launch new efforts to overturn California’s gay history law

Not one but two anti-gay initiatives have been submitted to state officials in an effort to thwart Senate Bill 48, the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act.

In the first proposal, opponents are trying to alter the law so that California school students don’t have to learn about LGBT Americans’ historical contributions.

Anti-gay activists are also proposing a second initiative that would allow parents to opt their children out of school instruction in social science and family life that conflicts with their moral convictions. Parents can already opt their children out of health lessons.

The proposals, received by the state attorney general’s office November 16, come at a time when Equality California, a key SB 48 sponsor, has been weakened by leadership and financial troubles, and appears unprepared to protect the legislation.

The new law is set to take effect January 1.

Massachusetts Governor signs transgender equality rights bill

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick on Wednesday signed an historic transgender rights bill, giving the state’s estimated 33,000 transgender citizens vital protections against discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit and hate crimes law.

The Transgender Equal Rights Bill passed in the Massachusetts House on Nov. 15 by a vote of 95-58 vote, and cleared the state’s Senate the following morning when Senators approved the measure on a voice vote and with no opposition.

The approved version of the bill adds “gender identity” to employment, education, housing, and credit non-discrimination law, as well as to hate crimes law. It did not address public accommodations, however.

Pepper Spray

Mac And Cheese Is ‘A Black Thing’

Herman Cain And I Were 'Involved In A Very Inappropriate' Relationship

Georgia Woman Claims 13-Year Affair with Herman Cain: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Pickets Outside Lassen's Stop Some Shoppers

Many were upset when they heard organic food mart Nature Mart--based there for four decades--would be closing its doors.

Some became outraged when they heard Lassen's would take over Nov.1.

The family-owned chain had donated at least $30,000 to the campaign to support Proposition 8, a 2008 voter initiative that would have banned single-sex marriage.

Many in the Lassen's family--including president Peter Lassen--are Mormons, who had been very active in campaigning for and funding Prop 8.

More than 1,500 people have now signed an online pledge to boycott the store.

A New Woman Claims to Have Had a Decade Long Affair With Herman Cain

Harvey Milk

‘If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet shatter every closet door’


On this day, 33 years ago, former San Francisco City Supervisor Dan White took a gun to City Hall and shot openly-gay Supervisor Harvey Milk five times — the final two shots had White pressing his gun directly at Milk’s skull, according to the medical examiner.



"Harvey Milk left us a legacy. He profoundly influenced gay and lesbian politics, and was a champion of human rights. Milk once said, “…you’ve got to keep electing gay people…to know there is better hope for tomorrow. Not only for gays, but for blacks, Asians, the disabled, our senior citizens and us. Without hope, we give up. I know you cannot live on hope alone, but without it life is not worth living. You and you and you have got to see that the promise does not fade.”

RuPaul Unleashes Her Drag Droids

Tags: RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul, Logo: Fierce TV

GOP Debate In 100 Seconds

Producer Has Camera Rolling, Captures "Turkey Attack" Moment

Marcus Bachmann Calls Undercover Gay Activist, Demands Money for Unused 'Ex-Gay' Therapy Sessions

You may recall that back in July, John Becker, from Truth Wins Out, a group that works to expose the "ex-gay" movement, paid an undercover visit to Marcus Bachmann for a set of "pray away the gay" therapy sessions which he then wrote up to apply pressure to the Bachmanns for accepting public funds for this discredited and damaging practice.

Writes Becker:

Before patients at Bachmann & Associates start services, they’re required to sign a paper acknowledging that they’ve been made aware of the clinic’s no-show policy. According to said policy, patients are assessed a $75 no-show fee for each appointment that they miss without giving prior notification. I always booked the maximum number of appointments in advance that I could (3) in order to avoid suspicion — after all, it was to be a 4-6 month course of treatment — so when I went back to Vermont, I called the clinic to cancel them. However, I didn’t want to give them any kind of a heads up about the story that was about to break in the media, so I said that a member of my immediate family “back home in Wisconsin” (they had seen and photocopied my Wisconsin ID) had had a health crisis, and that I needed to go out of state but didn’t know when I’d be back. On the voicemail I left at the clinic, I told them to cancel all three of my appointments and that I’d schedule my next sessions when I knew when I’d be back in the Twin Cities.

Apparently the receptionist only canceled the first appointment, and now Marcus himself is calling to collect for the two outstanding "pray away the gay" sessions.

Voicemail from Marcus Bachmann by user6446359

Gay Kiss Upstages Al-Jazeera Reporter on Spain's Elections

The victory of Spain's Mariano Rajoy and his conservative People's Party is already generating concerns from Spanish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates, who fear the prime minister-elect could repeal the nation's marriage equality legislation.

One couple certainly got their message across in an unusual way by "videobombing" an Al Jazeera reporter, kissing passionately as the hapless correspondent spoke on the election.

Cain & Gingrich Will Defy Supreme Court if DOMA is Repealed

Marrying Your Partner Like Marrying Eiffel Tower?

Michele Bachmann's Iowa campaign chair Tamara Scott tells Bob Vander Plaats that legalizing gay marriage will lead to legalizing marriage with inanimate objects, like the Eiffel Tower.

At Google, a Transgender "Gold Standard"

In a move predicted by one advocate to become the gold standard for LGBT health, Google has significantly increased coverage of transgender health care benefits for its U.S. employees, and other companies are soon expected to follow suit.

The updated benefits, announced internally by company officials on Friday and effective immediately, cover transitioning procedures and treatment in accordance with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) Standards of Care, and include gender reassignment surgical procedures determined to be medically necessary by a doctor.

Supreme Court Won't Help NOM Ally Hide Its Supporters

The Supreme Court won't stop the state of Washington from continuing to release the names of those who tried to outlaw domestic partnerships there.

Petitioners had supported adding Referendum 71 to the ballot and succeeded in putting Washington's domestic partnership law up to a vote. The public ended up voting to keep the law.

And ever since, the group Protect Marriage Washington has been trying to keep the petitioners' names out of the public eye, claiming they feared harassment. When a lower court ruled that the names were part of the public record, they began being released. For example, Seattle Weekly had posted approximately 100,000 of them on its website in October.

Protect Marriage Washington had appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the leaks until they could launch an appeal of the lower court's ruling. But the nation's highest court decided to stay out of it, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports, and now the state plans to release more of the names.

A Look at Rick Perry

The Catholic Church agrees with OWC

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1287830679001/

Fox News Viewers Know Less Than People Who Don't Watch Any News

Fox News viewers are less informed than people who don't watch any news, according to a new poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The poll surveyed New Jersey residents about the uprisings in Egypt and the Middle East, and where they get their news sources. The study, which controlled for demographic factors like education and partisanship, found that "people who watch Fox News are 18-points less likely to know that Egyptians overthrew their government" and "6-points less likely to know that Syrians have not yet overthrown their government" compared to those who watch no news.

Overall, 53% of all respondents knew that Egyptians successfully overthrew Hosni Mubarak and 48% knew that Syrians have yet to overthrow their government.

Dan Cassino, a political science professor at Fairleigh Dickinson, explained in a statement, "Because of the controls for partisanship, we know these results are not just driven by Republicans or other groups being more likely to watch Fox News. Rather, the results show us that there is something about watching Fox News that leads people to do worse on these questions than those who don’t watch any news at all."

This isn't the first study that has found that Fox News viewers more misinformed in comparison to others. Last year, a study from the University of Maryland found that Fox News viewers were more likely to believe false information about politics.

Gingrich and Freddie Mac

The Richest 1% of the California Congress

The Occupy Wall Street movement has focused the national discourse on wealth inequality and, specifically, the split between the richest 1 percent and the 99 percent that's left. While most Californians, by definition, are not members of the wealthiest 1 percent, it turns out that many of us are represented in Congress by those who have attained that elite status.

The cutoff for the top 1 percent of American households, in terms of net worth, is about $9 million, according to New York University economics professor Edward Wolff. His estimate is based on the Federal Reserve Board's Survey of Consumer Finances, which put the figure at $8.2 million in 2007, he said.

That puts many members of Congress squarely within the 1 percent, including prominent members of California's delegation, such as Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein; Rep. Nancy Pelosi, also a Democrat; and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, a Republican.

Rep. David Dreier - (R) Net Worth $11,489,546
Rep. Dreier's family is in real estate development, and he is Vice President of Dreier Development Company in Kansas City. Dreier has been the U.S. Representative for California's 26th congressional district since 1981.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R) - Net Worth $303,575,011
Rep. Issa acquired wealth as the founder of Directed Electronics, a California-based car alarm manufacturer. Issa is the U.S. Representative for California's 49th congressional district and has served in Congress since 2001.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) - Net Worth $77,082,134
Sen. Feinstein is married to wealthy investment banker, Richard C. Blum. She is the senior U.S. Senator from California and has served in the U.S. Senate since 1992.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D) - Net Worth $58,436,537
Rep. Pelosi got most of her wealth from her husband Paul Frank Pelosi, who is a successful businessman. Pelosi is the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives and has represented the 8th congressional district of California since 1987.

Rep. Gary Miller (R) - Net Worth $51,833,526
Rep. Miller founded several companies before going into politics, including G. Miller Development, G. Miller Masonry and G. Miller Framing. Miller is the U.S. Representative for California's 42nd congressional district and has served in Congress since 2003.

Rep. John Campbell (R) - Net Worth $23,254,531
Before entering politics, Rep. Campbell was a CPA, tax accountant, and CEO of Campbell Automotive Group, Saturn of Orange County and Saab of Orange County. Campbell has been the U.S. Representative for California's 48th congressional district since 2005.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D) - Net Worth $12,532,038
Rep. Speier was a staffer for U.S. Representative Leo Joseph Ryan of California and was a lawyer in private practice before entering politics. She is married to investment consultant Barry Dennis. Speier is the U.S. Representative for California's 12th congressional district, serving since 2008.

What does the Ruling on Proposition 8 ‘standing’ mean?

Historic Transgender Equal Rights Bill passes Massachusetts Legislature

An historic voice vote gets the proposed legislation one step closer to the Governor’s desk.

More than 30,000 transgender Massachusetts residents could receive vital protections against discrimination now that the Transgender Equal Rights Bill has been passed by both the House and Senate.

House GOP Classifies Pizza As A Vegetable To ‘Prevent Overly Burdensome’ School Lunch Regulations

Earlier this year, the USDA made an attempt to bolster the nutrition guidelines for the federal school lunch program. Under the new guidelines, for instance, school lunches would be limited to one cup of starchy vegetables a week and the ability of schools to count tomato sauce on pizza towards their fruit and vegetables requirement would be scaled back. But House Republicans, in a new spending plan unveiled yesterday, have done away with those changes:

The spending bill also would allow tomato paste on pizzas to be counted as a vegetable.

102 Things NOT To Do If You Hate Taxes

So, you hates taxes? If you do not like taxes or government, please kindly do the following.

1. Do not use Medicare.
2. Do not use Social Security
3. Do not become a member of the US military, who are paid with tax dollars.
4. Do not ask the National Guard to help you after a disaster.
5. Do not call 911 when you get hurt.
6. Do not call the police to stop intruders in your home.
7. Do not summon the fire department to save your burning home.
8. Do not drive on any paved road, highway, and interstate or drive on any bridge.
9. Do not use public restrooms.
10. Do not send your kids to public schools.
11. Do not put your trash out for city garbage collectors.
12. Do not live in areas with clean air.
13. Do not drink clean water.
14. Do not visit National Parks.
15. Do not visit public museums, zoos, and monuments.
16. Do not eat or use FDA inspected food and medicines.
17. Do not bring your kids to public playgrounds.
18. Do not walk or run on sidewalks.
19. Do not use public recreational facilities such as basketball and tennis courts.
20. Do not seek shelter facilities or food in soup kitchens when you are homeless and hungry.
21. Do not apply for educational or job training assistance when you lose your job.
22. Do not apply for food stamps when you can’t feed your children.
23. Do not use the judiciary system for any reason.
24. Do not ask for an attorney when you are arrested and do not ask for one to be assigned to you by the court.
25. Do not apply for any Pell Grants.
26. Do not use cures that were discovered by labs using federal dollars.
27. Do not fly on federally regulated airplanes.
28. Do not use any product that can trace its development back to NASA.
29. Do not watch the weather provided by the National Weather Service.
30. Do not listen to severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
31. Do not listen to tsunami, hurricane, or earthquake alert systems.
32. Do not apply for federal housing.
33. Do not use the internet, which was developed by the military.
34. Do not swim in clean rivers.
35. Do not allow your child to eat school lunches or breakfasts.
36. Do not ask for FEMA assistance when everything you own gets wiped out by disaster.
37. Do not ask the military to defend your life and home in the event of a foreign invasion.
38. Do not use your cell phone or home telephone.
39. Do not buy firearms that wouldn’t have been developed without the support of the US Government and military. That includes most of them.
40. Do not eat USDA inspected produce and meat.
41. Do not apply for government grants to start your own business.
42. Do not apply to win a government contract.
43. Do not buy any vehicle that has been inspected by government safety agencies.
44. Do not buy any product that is protected from poisons, toxins, etc…by the Consumer Protection Agency.
45. Do not save your money in a bank that is FDIC insured.
46. Do not use Veterans benefits or military health care.
47. Do not use the G.I. Bill to go to college.
48. Do not apply for unemployment benefits.
49. Do not use any electricity from companies regulated by the Department of Energy.
50. Do not live in homes that are built to code.
51. Do not run for public office. Politicians are paid with taxpayer dollars.
52. Do not ask for help from the FBI, S.W.A.T, the bomb squad, Homeland Security, State troopers, etc…
53. Do not apply for any government job whatsoever as all state and federal employees are paid with tax dollars.
54. Do not use public libraries.
55. Do not use the US Postal Service.
56. Do not visit the National Archives.
57. Do not visit Presidential Libraries.
58. Do not use airports that are secured by the federal government.
59. Do not apply for loans from any bank that is FDIC insured.
60. Do not ask the government to help you clean up after a tornado.
61. Do not ask the Department of Agriculture to provide a subsidy to help you run your farm.
62. Do not take walks in National Forests.
63. Do not ask for taxpayer dollars for your oil company.
64. Do not ask the federal government to bail your company out during recessions.
65. Do not seek medical care from places that use federal dollars.
66. Do not use Medicaid.
67. Do not use WIC.
68. Do not use electricity generated by Hoover Dam.
69. Do not use electricity or any service provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
70. Do not ask the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild levees when they break.
71. Do not let the Coast Guard save you from drowning when your boat capsizes at sea.
72. Do not ask the government to help evacuate you when all hell breaks loose in the country you are in.
73. Do not visit historic landmarks.
74. Do not visit fisheries.
75. Do not expect to see animals that are federally protected because of the Endangered Species List.
76. Do not expect plows to clear roads of snow and ice so your kids can go to school and so you can get to work.
77. Do not hunt or camp on federal land.
78. Do not work anywhere that has a safe workplace because of government regulations.
79. Do not use public transportation.
80. Do not drink water from public water fountains.
81. Do not whine when someone copies your work and sells it as their own. Government enforces copyright laws.
82. Do not expect to own your home, car, or boat. Government organizes and keeps all titles.
83. Do not expect convicted felons to remain off the streets.
84. Do not eat in restaurants that are regulated by food quality and safety standards.
85. Do not seek help from the US Embassy if you need assistance in a foreign nation.
86. Do not apply for a passport to travel outside of the United States.
87. Do not apply for a patent when you invent something.
88. Do not adopt a child through your local, state, or federal governments.
89.Do not use elevators that have been inspected by federal or state safety regulators.
90. Do not use any resource that was discovered by the USGS.
91. Do not ask for energy assistance from the government.
92. Do not move to any other developed nation, because the taxes are much higher.
93. Do not go to a beach that is kept clean by the state.
94. Do not use money printed by the US Treasury.
95. Do not complain when millions more illegal immigrants cross the border because there are no more border patrol agents.
96. Do not attend a state university.
97. Do not see any doctor that is licensed through the state.
98. Do not use any water from municipal water systems.
99. Do not complain when diseases and viruses, that were once fought around the globe by the US government and CDC, reach your house.
100. Do not work for any company that is required to pay its workers a livable wage, provide them sick days, vacation days, and benefits.
101. Do not expect to be able to vote on election days. Government provides voting booths, election day officials, and voting machines which are paid for with taxes.
102. Do not ride trains. The railroad was built with government financial assistance.

The fact is, we pay for the lifestyle we expect. Without taxes, our lifestyles would be totally different and much harder. America would be a third world country. The less we pay, the less we get in return. Americans pay less taxes today since 1958 and is ranked 32nd out of 34 of the top tax paying countries. Chile and Mexico are 33rd and 34th. So next time you object to paying taxes or fight to abolish taxes for corporations and the wealthy, keep this quote in mind…

“I like to pay taxes. With them, I buy civilization.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes


By Stephen D. Foster Jr.

Ross Matthews Meets a Gay Naturalist

Just funny!

We actually wanted for people to see the other side of the war." - Leymah Gbowee

Diversity Role Models

Diversity Role Models is a UK non-profit that tackles homophobia through education.



"The final lesson of a unit on stereotyping, homophobic bullying and different families. This is a year 6 class in a multi-cultural, typical inner-city London school."

The Holy Ghost Told Me She Is The One For President

Peter Waldron, a top Bachmann aide, announced that the Holy Ghost told him that Michele Bachmann is the one for president. Waldron, Bachmann’s controversial faith-​based advisor, told Steve Deace on the Steve Deace radio show that he had first interviewed with Herman Cain but then the Holy Ghost told him to go work for Michele Bachmann because she is the one for president.

Victoria Jackson Launches Anti __________ Talk Show

Victoria Jackson has found another platform for her ultra-right-wing views on issues such as "gay marriage" with a new talk show with three other conservative women.

The PolitiChicks, a just-launched weekly online discussion program.

[Wow, just wow]

Jon Stewart Rips Jerry Sandusky

Colbert Blasts Mayor Bloomberg For Occupy Wall Street Police Brutality

The Colbert Report
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5 Reasons State Lawmakers Want DOMA Repealed

The case against the Defense of Marriage Act is widening as more lawmakers step forward to condemn the law. The latest last week included governors and mayors, largely from states where marriage equality is recognized.

The argument against DOMA is still solidifying. For example, companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Starbucks filed a brief in a the case challenging the constitutionality of DOMA and argued that the law is just another form of government regulation that puts a burden on business, leading to wasted resources and money.

The governors and mayors made a similar case, claiming government overreach as they trumpeted states’ rights. In the broad understanding of party values, it's the sort of case you'd expect to hear from Republicans, though the list was mostly Democrats.

Here are the top five reasons they say DOMA should be repealed:

- DOMA disrespects states’ rights, they argue. Although the policy was born from a concern by conservative states that they might be forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, these lawmakers say DOMA has actually trampled states’ rights. "By denying federal recognition for some of our states’ lawful marriages, DOMA does not just deny married same-sex couples these and other critical rights and benefits," they wrote. "It disrespects our states’ decisions to treat all of our citizens equally."

- But they aren’t minimizing the importance of gaining equal rights. The federal government is interfering in the lives of state citizens, they say. Same-sex married couples are "constantly hamstrung" by the more than 1,100 rights they cite being withheld by the federal government. "While we are proud that our states have eased the burdens on families, these provisions of federal law are beyond our purview and Congressional action is required," they demanded.

- Similar to the argument made by U.S. companies opposed to DOMA, the lawmakers say it forces them to discriminate. They say DOMA "even requires our states’ governments, when we jointly administer federal programs like Medicaid, to actively discriminate against our own lawfully-married citizens." The companies complained of having to identify those legally married couples that are gay among their workforce so they can be denied benefits.

- DOMA is dangerous, the lawmakers argue, referencing the epidemic of LGBT suicides among youth who are struggling to be out in a world that does not seem to accept them. "For LGBT youth, DOMA sends a dangerous message that that they cannot be full and equal citizens of their country," they warn.

- DOMA affects straight people too. Starting with the children of same-sex couples "who suffer from the financial instability DOMA creates for their parents," the law also impacts straight families and friends "who must step in with financial and emotional support to mitigate these problems."

California governor Jerry Brown sent his own letter because his state is in the predicament of having legal same-sex marriage taken away at the ballot box — a change that is being challenged in the court system.

Two gay swimmers are among oldest Olympic trial qualifiers ever

Two openly gay swimmers have become two of the three oldest swimmers to ever qualify for the U.S. Olympic trials. Two 37-year-olds, Brian Jacobsen (right) from Minnesota and author Jeff Commings have accomplished the incredible, qualifying for the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter breaststroke respectively.

Catholic bishops vow to defend religious liberty and fight gay marriage

U.S. Roman Catholic bishops on Monday vowed to defend their religious liberty, and in calling the growing acceptance of gay marriage an attempt to marginalize their faith, launched a new website aimed at promoting traditional, heterosexual marriage.

At a meeting of 300 bishops gathered for the Conference of Catholic Bishops, the newly appointed committee on religious liberty announced plans to respond to legislation it says comes between citizens and their Catholic beliefs.

The bishops singled out the U.S. Department of Justice’s opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman, and the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, as challenges to religious liberty.

Sharon Bialek Ex-Boyfriend Talks Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Herman Cain

Herman Cain Wisecracks About Anita Hill To Supporters

Herman Cain speaking in front of a group of supporters in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was asked a question about Anita Hill. His immediate response, in a joking manner, was, “Is she going to endorse me?”

"Dear Harvey, We've Got Hope" - Call for Submissions

David Testo, American pro soccer player comes out of the closet

David Testo, former MLS player with the Columbus Crew, has told the CBC that he is gay. And his former Canadian team, the Montreal Impact, say they knew he was gay when they signed him. Part of Testo’s interview, translated from a French report:

I’m gay, I’m gay. I did not choose. It’s just part of who I am. And it has nothing to do with the talent of a soccer player. You can be both an excellent soccer player and being gay

Glee's' Santana and Mercedes Do Adele

On the upcoming episode of Glee the Troubletones take on Adele with a mash-up of “Someone Like You” and the yet-to-be-released “Rumour Has It” with Mercedes and Santana sharing lead.

'Romney Wins, We're Calling It Tonight'

Stephen Colbert Mocks Michigan's Religious Blueprint for Bullying

The Colbert Report
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Stephen Colbert took up the bill recently passed in Michigan that contained language justifying it if a student, parent, teacher, or school employee can come up with a religious or moral reason for doing so.

Says Colbert: "It is well known that the homosexual agenda is just an insidious plot to prevent gay teenagers from dying...The point is, bullying is just fine as long as you get a permission slip from God. With this amendment to the law, if you're a Michigan Christian teenager giving a gay kid a swirlie, you can just say it's a baptism."

Michigan's Children Speak Out Against Republican Pro-Bullying Legislation

State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer today said that language in state anti-bullying bill that would permit harassment for religious reasons would be changed before the bill becomes law, and she is hopeful that after meeting with Republican lawmakers that it will happen soon.

"It looks like they are poised to do that," Whitmer told WJR's Paul W. Smith on Tuesday morning, an election day across the state. "I'm glad to say that there are people on both sides of the aisle that believe that we should not legitimize excuses for tormenting a student in school."

NC Baptist Church Forbids All Weddings Until Gays Can Marry

Raleigh's Pullen Memorial Baptist Church voted on Sunday to bar its pastor from performing any weddings until gay and lesbian couples can marry, the News Observer reports:

The congregants said in a formal statement that current North Carolina law - and the language proposed for a vote next year on an amendment to the state Constitution - discriminates against same-sex couples "by denying them the rights and privileges enjoyed by heterosexual married couples."

"As people of faith, affirming the Christian teaching that before God all people are equal, we will no longer participate in this discrimination," the church's statement says.

The vote was unanimous and brought tears to the eyes of some of the 100 or so members who stood to vote in favor of the "statement on marriage ceremonies."

Oregon Rights Group Backs Away From Ballot Initiative

Gay rights activists in Oregon will not try putting marriage equality up for a vote in 2012, saying the support it needs doesn't seem like a sure thing.

Basic Rights Oregon announced its decision not to pursue a ballot measure Wednesday after a long flirtation with the idea. A local newspaper had reported in August, for example, that the group would pursue a ballot measure, only to have executive director Jeana Frazzini publicly correct the article.

"Ballot measures in Oregon have historically been used to attack the gay and transgender community," the group's board wrote in a statement.
"Today, we are finally in the driver’s seat, deciding when to go forward with a proactive ballot measure to achieve equality, instead of just fighting back. That presents our community with a tremendous opportunity and an immense responsibility."

DOMA Repeal Bill Passes Senate Judiciary Committee 10-8

The DOMA repeal bill, known as the “Respect for Marriage Act,” was debated in the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning and passed by a 10 – 8 vote.

ACLU warns Utah schools: Banning same-sex couples at school functions ‘unconstitutional’

The ACLU of Utah has sent a warning to the state's school district superintendents, cautioning them that banning same sex couples from being attending proms, dances and other school functions violates their constitutional rights.

Florida county passes equal benefits ordinance inclusive of same-sex partners

The Broward County Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve Florida's first countywide Equal Benefits Ordinance (EBO), a measure that requires the county's vendors to provide domestic partners with benefits equal to those offered to spouses of married employees.

Gay Marriage An "Abomination"

Bishop Robinson on the Occupy Movement

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