That might be an over exaggeration, but if you've ever watched Family Guy, you know he's pro same-sex marriage. Champion? I don't think so. Knight? Sure, if we're handing out titles that's the one I would pick. Here he is below being interviewed on Real Time with Bill Maher (he's not as annoying as usual. Ok. I lied. He is. But not more than usual.)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Supreme Justice: NPR Style
A new Supreme Justice will have to be named soon, and 2 of the names being thrown around right now are Kathleen Sullivan (Left) and Pam Karlan (Right). Both seem like great candidates and they both attended Stanford Law School. Another thing they have in common is that they are both lesbians, which would be the first openly gay Supreme Justice. As we know, Conservatives will have a hard time accepting this. Or will they? I was going to write a very eloquent article to this, but instead found one that states exactly what I wanted to say, on NPR by Richard Just. Read it before continuing.
Basically, while the conservatives have always claimed that they are not against homosexual people (which is just them lying to themselves) and only against same-sex marriage, their true views will be seen if they go against their nomination. Senator Jeff Session, R-Ala., the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Wednesday that he wouldn't consider homosexuality to be "an automatic disqualification." Oh, gee, thanks.
Some conservative leaders have raised warning flags that nomination of a gay or lesbian for the post would be too polarizing. But GOP senators appeared less concerned with the nominee's sexual orientation than with his or her legal knowledge and experience. Many republicans are saying that they haven't given the gay angle much thought. We all know better than to take their word for it, so we will have to wait to see. As of right now, gay rights leaders are urging President Obama to replace the retiring Justice David Souter with either of the highly qualified, openly lesbian candidates. More to come.
Basically, while the conservatives have always claimed that they are not against homosexual people (which is just them lying to themselves) and only against same-sex marriage, their true views will be seen if they go against their nomination. Senator Jeff Session, R-Ala., the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Wednesday that he wouldn't consider homosexuality to be "an automatic disqualification." Oh, gee, thanks.
Some conservative leaders have raised warning flags that nomination of a gay or lesbian for the post would be too polarizing. But GOP senators appeared less concerned with the nominee's sexual orientation than with his or her legal knowledge and experience. Many republicans are saying that they haven't given the gay angle much thought. We all know better than to take their word for it, so we will have to wait to see. As of right now, gay rights leaders are urging President Obama to replace the retiring Justice David Souter with either of the highly qualified, openly lesbian candidates. More to come.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
No Room For [Gay] Porn In Christian College
Times are hard. The economy is pretty bleak. Being able to pay for college is starting to look more and more like a sad joke. But wait. What industry manages to stay afloat no matter what? If you said the fast food industry, then you're right, but that's not what I was referring to. This industry doesn't aim for your stomach, but it goes a little lower than that. If you've reached the knees, you've gone too far. That's right, porn!
22-year-old John Gechter (also known as "Vincent DeSalvo" in the gay porn industry), was suspended from Christian university Grove City College after a person (I'd like to know who) found videos of him doing homosexual acts with other men. Apparently, the university feels that Getcher "exhibited behavior contrary to the values." I wonder if it would have made a difference if it were straight porn here was in?
Anyway, Getcher is appealing the suspension because he rightly believes that the gay porn job is none of the schools business, especially since he's using a pseudonym. The income is also used to pay for his tuition.
Times are hard indeed. No euphemism intended.
22-year-old John Gechter (also known as "Vincent DeSalvo" in the gay porn industry), was suspended from Christian university Grove City College after a person (I'd like to know who) found videos of him doing homosexual acts with other men. Apparently, the university feels that Getcher "exhibited behavior contrary to the values." I wonder if it would have made a difference if it were straight porn here was in?
Anyway, Getcher is appealing the suspension because he rightly believes that the gay porn job is none of the schools business, especially since he's using a pseudonym. The income is also used to pay for his tuition.
Times are hard indeed. No euphemism intended.
Gay Bullying
This is going to be one of my more serious topics. Why? Because gay bullying is a serious issue with devastating consequences. As of this moment, there are 5 documented cases (and who knows how many other undocumented cases there may be) of elementary school children committing suicide due to heavy anti-gay bullying. This by no means is to say that the children were in fact attracted to the same sex, but the truth is that we'll never know the answer to that. The first three confirmed cases all occurred in Illinois 
(Chatham, Evanston, and Chicago) and all in the month of February of this year. The following two are 11 year old's Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera. The mother's of both children, Sirdeaner L. Walker (Left) and Masika Bermudez (Right), appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday.
Both children faced severe bullying from students and often received anti-gay slurs. As a child, I was always taught that is someone ever bothered you in school, you should tell the teacher and have them take care of it. I can speak from experience saying that this method more often than naught, did not work. In fact, it just added another label for the children to harass you with: "tattle-tail".
Carl too saught protection from the daily verbal abuse by his peers, but the school administration was unable to help in the end. Carl's mother said, "He was so afraid that he ate lunch with a guidance counselor." On April 6, 2009, Carl came home after an upsetting incident at school. "This is what Carl told me. He said that his backpack had hit the TV stand and that the TV stand hit a girl," Sirdeaner says. "The girl got really upset and threatened to beat him."
Sirdeaner says Carl was afraid he'd receive a suspension. "I tried to reassure Carl," she says. "He just went quietly up to his room, and I continued making dinner." This was the last time Sirdeaner would see her son alive. After she finished preparing dinner, she went to check on her son Carl only to find him hanging from the stair banister with an extension cord around his neck.
Carl also left a note, but Sirdeaner says it did not say why he chose to take his life. In the note, Sirdeaner says Carl left his favorite toy to his sister. "He told everybody that, you know, he loved them very much. He said he was very sorry," she says. "He was looking out for his younger brother, Charles, and he didn't want him to have a difficult time."
Jaheem Herrera has a similar story. Jaheem liked to dance and sing and draw, and he was often called "gay" from students because of it. Telling the teachers only got him more teasings from the students being labeled a "snitch" and "tattle-tale". On April 16, 2009, Jaheem came home in a good mood. He showed his mother his report card with good grades on it. They gave each other a high five and the mother began to cook dinner. Shortly after, Jaheem's sister told him that some more kids were calling him "gay" in school.
Masika, Jaheem's mom, said, "He got upset. I sent him upstairs. He usually [goes] upstairs and plays with his toys and gets over it." Sadly, that was not the case this time. When Masika went upstairs to tell her son dinner was ready, she discovered her son hanging in his room with a cloth around his neck. Masika says Jaheem left no note. "He just did it," she says. "Now I won't have my boy child. That was my only boy child."
This immigrant family from the Virgin Islands said that Jaheem never received this kind of treatment in school until they came to the United States. That in itself should tell you something about the state of our school system. Jaheem's friends recounted something that happened earlier the day before he committed suicide: "Jaheem asked if anyone would miss him if he wasn’t here." His friend replied, "I am your friend and I would miss you."
Both families have hired lawyers to look into the school's administration and find out why not enough was done to curb the bullying that lead to the deaths of these two boys. A similar story is that of Ryan Halligan. Ryan was a 13 year old boy who was constantly bullied (mostly through the internet) and called "gay" and "faggot".
He was often attacked through instant messages and e-mails. A girl he had expressed interest in faked conversations online with him just so she could get personal information from him to make fun of him later about. After he came up to her in school, she called him a "loser" and told him he was just pretending to like him. He then responded, "It's girls like you who make me want to kill myself."
Ryan had hoped that this girl would become his girlfriend and the other kids would stop making fun of him. On October 7, 2003, Ryan's sister found Ryan hanging in bathroom early that morning. He was 13 years old when he died. The reason this case isn't one of the five listed above is not clear to me, but it is one of the cases listed under cyber-bullying. Below is a video with Ryan's parents recounting their tragic experiences.
I find it ludicrous that the people who oppose same-sex marriage use the old saying, "Won't anybody think of the children?" That's my point exactly. By creating dissent and division on the topic, children are effected by it. The term "gay" has become a word that no longer means being homosexual, but it has taken a destructive form that has only a negative meaning which children are using against each other usually for reasons not associated to sexual orientation. Also, at the age that Carl and Jaheem were at, they more than likely have not even come to develop their sense of self yet, let alone figure out their sexual orientation.
New York Times bestseller Judith Warner says, "Being called a 'fag,' you see, actually has almost nothing to do with being gay. It’s really about showing any perceived weakness or femininity – by being emotional, seeming incompetent, caring too much about clothing, liking to dance or even having an interest in literature."
So I repeat, why don't YOU think of the children? The hate you show to others is being inherited by your children. Your anti-gay sentiment is not only destroying the present, but also destroying the future. I hope that all you people out there never have to go through what the families of Carl, Jaheem, Ryan, and all the other kids who committed suicide had to go through. How would it feel to be the mother, father, sister or brother of a young boy or girl and to find their dead body hanging inside some room, dead. Think about that next time you spew your hatred because there always little children ears listening, including those that are no longer with us.
(Chatham, Evanston, and Chicago) and all in the month of February of this year. The following two are 11 year old's Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera. The mother's of both children, Sirdeaner L. Walker (Left) and Masika Bermudez (Right), appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday.
Both children faced severe bullying from students and often received anti-gay slurs. As a child, I was always taught that is someone ever bothered you in school, you should tell the teacher and have them take care of it. I can speak from experience saying that this method more often than naught, did not work. In fact, it just added another label for the children to harass you with: "tattle-tail".Carl too saught protection from the daily verbal abuse by his peers, but the school administration was unable to help in the end. Carl's mother said, "He was so afraid that he ate lunch with a guidance counselor." On April 6, 2009, Carl came home after an upsetting incident at school. "This is what Carl told me. He said that his backpack had hit the TV stand and that the TV stand hit a girl," Sirdeaner says. "The girl got really upset and threatened to beat him."
Sirdeaner says Carl was afraid he'd receive a suspension. "I tried to reassure Carl," she says. "He just went quietly up to his room, and I continued making dinner." This was the last time Sirdeaner would see her son alive. After she finished preparing dinner, she went to check on her son Carl only to find him hanging from the stair banister with an extension cord around his neck.
Carl also left a note, but Sirdeaner says it did not say why he chose to take his life. In the note, Sirdeaner says Carl left his favorite toy to his sister. "He told everybody that, you know, he loved them very much. He said he was very sorry," she says. "He was looking out for his younger brother, Charles, and he didn't want him to have a difficult time."Jaheem Herrera has a similar story. Jaheem liked to dance and sing and draw, and he was often called "gay" from students because of it. Telling the teachers only got him more teasings from the students being labeled a "snitch" and "tattle-tale". On April 16, 2009, Jaheem came home in a good mood. He showed his mother his report card with good grades on it. They gave each other a high five and the mother began to cook dinner. Shortly after, Jaheem's sister told him that some more kids were calling him "gay" in school.
Masika, Jaheem's mom, said, "He got upset. I sent him upstairs. He usually [goes] upstairs and plays with his toys and gets over it." Sadly, that was not the case this time. When Masika went upstairs to tell her son dinner was ready, she discovered her son hanging in his room with a cloth around his neck. Masika says Jaheem left no note. "He just did it," she says. "Now I won't have my boy child. That was my only boy child."This immigrant family from the Virgin Islands said that Jaheem never received this kind of treatment in school until they came to the United States. That in itself should tell you something about the state of our school system. Jaheem's friends recounted something that happened earlier the day before he committed suicide: "Jaheem asked if anyone would miss him if he wasn’t here." His friend replied, "I am your friend and I would miss you."
Both families have hired lawyers to look into the school's administration and find out why not enough was done to curb the bullying that lead to the deaths of these two boys. A similar story is that of Ryan Halligan. Ryan was a 13 year old boy who was constantly bullied (mostly through the internet) and called "gay" and "faggot".
He was often attacked through instant messages and e-mails. A girl he had expressed interest in faked conversations online with him just so she could get personal information from him to make fun of him later about. After he came up to her in school, she called him a "loser" and told him he was just pretending to like him. He then responded, "It's girls like you who make me want to kill myself."
Ryan had hoped that this girl would become his girlfriend and the other kids would stop making fun of him. On October 7, 2003, Ryan's sister found Ryan hanging in bathroom early that morning. He was 13 years old when he died. The reason this case isn't one of the five listed above is not clear to me, but it is one of the cases listed under cyber-bullying. Below is a video with Ryan's parents recounting their tragic experiences.I find it ludicrous that the people who oppose same-sex marriage use the old saying, "Won't anybody think of the children?" That's my point exactly. By creating dissent and division on the topic, children are effected by it. The term "gay" has become a word that no longer means being homosexual, but it has taken a destructive form that has only a negative meaning which children are using against each other usually for reasons not associated to sexual orientation. Also, at the age that Carl and Jaheem were at, they more than likely have not even come to develop their sense of self yet, let alone figure out their sexual orientation.
New York Times bestseller Judith Warner says, "Being called a 'fag,' you see, actually has almost nothing to do with being gay. It’s really about showing any perceived weakness or femininity – by being emotional, seeming incompetent, caring too much about clothing, liking to dance or even having an interest in literature."
So I repeat, why don't YOU think of the children? The hate you show to others is being inherited by your children. Your anti-gay sentiment is not only destroying the present, but also destroying the future. I hope that all you people out there never have to go through what the families of Carl, Jaheem, Ryan, and all the other kids who committed suicide had to go through. How would it feel to be the mother, father, sister or brother of a young boy or girl and to find their dead body hanging inside some room, dead. Think about that next time you spew your hatred because there always little children ears listening, including those that are no longer with us.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Hate Crimes Redefined
The House passed a bill updating the definitions of hate crimes to include added protections based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability. The bill will also provide a financial support to state and local authorities, with grants for investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. The federal government could step in and prosecute if states requested it or declined to exercise their authority.
This bill was passed especially after President Obama urged the House that the bill would "enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association." Two years earlier, a weaker, yet similar bill was struck down in Congress when George W. Bush (of course) threatened to veto it if it ever made it to his desk.
As always, the Conservatives (Republicans) feel that this bill will divide the country by giving extra protection to "special" groups. They also said it was not fair to give other people such protection. Well I think that the people would not need this extra protection if hate crimes did not exist, but they do. Hate crimes threaten people's right to the freedom that every American is entitled to, but for some reason other people feel they do not deserve, such as the perpetrators of hate crimes. That is why extra protection is needed to ensure that in the end, everyone has the same rights as the other person.
As majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., countered against the Republicans arguments, "We in America have said we believe all people ought to be treated equally. If America stands for anything it stands for equality under the law."
Also, some interesting tidbits are there were 926 active hate groups in 2008, compared to 602 in 2000, as tracked by the Southern Poverty Law Center. An increase of over 33% in eight years. And there are currently forty-five states that have laws against hate crimes, with the five that do not being: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming. Now tell me that the current hate crime laws are actually working. Yeah, that's what I thought.
This bill was passed especially after President Obama urged the House that the bill would "enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association." Two years earlier, a weaker, yet similar bill was struck down in Congress when George W. Bush (of course) threatened to veto it if it ever made it to his desk.
As always, the Conservatives (Republicans) feel that this bill will divide the country by giving extra protection to "special" groups. They also said it was not fair to give other people such protection. Well I think that the people would not need this extra protection if hate crimes did not exist, but they do. Hate crimes threaten people's right to the freedom that every American is entitled to, but for some reason other people feel they do not deserve, such as the perpetrators of hate crimes. That is why extra protection is needed to ensure that in the end, everyone has the same rights as the other person.
As majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., countered against the Republicans arguments, "We in America have said we believe all people ought to be treated equally. If America stands for anything it stands for equality under the law."
Also, some interesting tidbits are there were 926 active hate groups in 2008, compared to 602 in 2000, as tracked by the Southern Poverty Law Center. An increase of over 33% in eight years. And there are currently forty-five states that have laws against hate crimes, with the five that do not being: Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Wyoming. Now tell me that the current hate crime laws are actually working. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
LGBT Educational Sites: REJECTED
The heads of the Tennessee school districts seem to have taken a stance (though stealthily) on same-sex relationships. Although they were covert about it, people still noticed. A librarian (Karyn Storts-Brinks) and 2 Tennessee high school students are asking the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for help when they discovered that their Tennessee school internet filters access to online information on LGBT issues. The filtering software (Educational Networks of America) makes it so students cannot view political and educational information about LGBT issues and well-known nationals organizations such as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and the Human Rights Campaign.
Oddly enough (meant to be read in the most sarcastic tone you can muster), the filter seems to keep sites that talk about "reparative therapy" for changing your sexual orientation. Side Note: How can you "repair" what was never broken to begin with? Side Side Note: The practice of "reparative therapy" has been deemed harmful and dangerous by the American Medical & Psychiatric Associations.
The blocking of this information "not only violates the law but does a disservice to the education of your students," said the ACLU. The ACLU is also asking for this ban to be remedied or they will be forced to take legal action against their illegal censorship. Karyn Storts-Brinks, the librarian from Fulton High School in Knoxville tried to unblock LGBT sites for her students in August 2007 by contacting the filtering company and individuals in her district to no avail. Storts-Brinks said:
Oddly enough (meant to be read in the most sarcastic tone you can muster), the filter seems to keep sites that talk about "reparative therapy" for changing your sexual orientation. Side Note: How can you "repair" what was never broken to begin with? Side Side Note: The practice of "reparative therapy" has been deemed harmful and dangerous by the American Medical & Psychiatric Associations.
The blocking of this information "not only violates the law but does a disservice to the education of your students," said the ACLU. The ACLU is also asking for this ban to be remedied or they will be forced to take legal action against their illegal censorship. Karyn Storts-Brinks, the librarian from Fulton High School in Knoxville tried to unblock LGBT sites for her students in August 2007 by contacting the filtering company and individuals in her district to no avail. Storts-Brinks said:
"One of the problems with this software is that it only allows students access to one side of information about topics that are part of the public debate right now. Students who need to do research for assignments on current events can only get one viewpoint, keeping them from being able to cover both sides of the issue."The whole point of going to school is to get a well-rounded education to prepare you for the future. To make a well-informed decision (like the kinds you are going to make for the rest of your life), you need to have all the facts at hand first. Showing only one side of an issue to the person does not leave them adequately prepared to make a decision on the issue. So shame on you Tennessee school districts for filtering out political and educational information on the LGBT community! You're not turning your students into well-rounded spheres, but more like incomplete dodecahedrons (yes, I did bust out some geometric shapes on you).
Conditional Love
I'm sure some of us have heard of "coming-out"stories from hell, purgatory, or whatever dark, evil place your religious preference tell you bad people go to. You tell your parents and you get either A) Disowned, or B) Accepted for who you are. How about being forced to basically run away from home because you won't "stop being gay".
Then, after you've left home, your mom catches you on the street holding hands with your boyfriend and jumps out of her car furious and chases after you yelling obscenities. No? Really? Yeah, me neither, but this is what happened to 16 year old Stuart O'Neill. Celia Duncan shouted homophobic abuse at her son after she caught him on the street holding hands with his boyfriend.
After calling them a bunch of "poofs," she then proceeded to leave a voicemail saying, "I will get you, believe me, and you will get your head kicked in," and a text message saying, "I will get you and your poof." Personally, I think it should be a crime for a mother to treat her underage son that way, and in a sense it was when the Aberdeen court system fined her £250 (about $370).
Still, no amount of money could make up for the damage she inflicted on her son, especially over a silly thing as sexual preference. Stuart O'Neill said, "I feel really betrayed by my mum. What she said to me was vile and hurtful. My mum didn't like the fact I was gay. She told me to stop being gay or get out of Aberdeen. She basically threw me out of the house."
Then, after you've left home, your mom catches you on the street holding hands with your boyfriend and jumps out of her car furious and chases after you yelling obscenities. No? Really? Yeah, me neither, but this is what happened to 16 year old Stuart O'Neill. Celia Duncan shouted homophobic abuse at her son after she caught him on the street holding hands with his boyfriend.
After calling them a bunch of "poofs," she then proceeded to leave a voicemail saying, "I will get you, believe me, and you will get your head kicked in," and a text message saying, "I will get you and your poof." Personally, I think it should be a crime for a mother to treat her underage son that way, and in a sense it was when the Aberdeen court system fined her £250 (about $370).
Still, no amount of money could make up for the damage she inflicted on her son, especially over a silly thing as sexual preference. Stuart O'Neill said, "I feel really betrayed by my mum. What she said to me was vile and hurtful. My mum didn't like the fact I was gay. She told me to stop being gay or get out of Aberdeen. She basically threw me out of the house."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Welcome, Connecticut!
After a decade long struggle to legalize gay marriage, Connecticut has become the 4th state to legalize gay marriage, joining the ranks with Massachusetts, Vermont and Iowa. Connecticut had already legalized same-sex civil unions, and the bill states that as of October 1, 2010, all those civil unions will become same-sex marriages.
Connecticut did something that I found very interesting. To appease some gay marriage opposition, "lawmakers amended the bill to show they want to protect religious liberties. For example, it says religious organizations and associations are not required to provide services, goods or facilities for same-sex wedding ceremonies." I'm glad to see that they also took into account that religious institutions in this bill. Many of the main arguments that are against same-sex marriage are purely religious based (or so they say), and I feel this bill is a nice compromise between both sides.
Senator Andrew McDonald, D-Stamford, had this to say on the amendment to the bill:
Connecticut did something that I found very interesting. To appease some gay marriage opposition, "lawmakers amended the bill to show they want to protect religious liberties. For example, it says religious organizations and associations are not required to provide services, goods or facilities for same-sex wedding ceremonies." I'm glad to see that they also took into account that religious institutions in this bill. Many of the main arguments that are against same-sex marriage are purely religious based (or so they say), and I feel this bill is a nice compromise between both sides.Senator Andrew McDonald, D-Stamford, had this to say on the amendment to the bill:
"We wanted to make it completely clear that the state of Connecticut fully embraces not only the rights of same-sex couples to marry, but we fully embrace the rights and protections afforded by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Connecticut Constitution to the free exercise of religion."While I sincerely doubt the battle against same-sex marriage is over in Connecticut (or in any other state that has already legalized same-sex marriage), this is a major victory for all, even if they do not realize it yet.
Crown With Thorns
The Miss America Pageant is a chance for women from every state to show their beauty, skills, and in some rare cases, their intelligence. Most of what I stated was well represented by most of the contestants (especially the winner, Kristen Dalton, apparently), with the exception of Miss California, Carrie Prejean. 
She was posed a simple question by pageant judge Perez Hilton (gay blogger and television personality): "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"
Now, think of the most logical response you can to this answer (keeping in mind that you want to win the pageant), and Prejean's was the opposite. Not only does she say that she is glad people have a choice between having a gay or straight marriage (by the way, she's assuming homosexuality is a choice), but she also said she believes marriage to be between a man and a woman. Also, same-sex marriage is not a choice in most states aside from Massachusetts, Iowa, and Vermont, so how is there even a choice? But anyway, this is how it went down:
Not only did she completely not take into account the entire gay rights struggle in California (which I don't see how she was chosen to represent an entire state with her views, but oh well), but she also created dissent among the gay and straight community, which, as Perez Hilton stated in his blog response to the whole incident, a Miss America should not do. His blog response is below:
Perez Hilton's Video Response
Although I am not a big fan of Perez Hilton, I agree with his basic argument of why he thought Miss California lost, which was that she did not make a intelligent response to the question. But if I will go as far as to call her a "dumb bitch" is another point entirely. And the answer to that is yes, I agree with him on that too.
She was posed a simple question by pageant judge Perez Hilton (gay blogger and television personality): "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?"Now, think of the most logical response you can to this answer (keeping in mind that you want to win the pageant), and Prejean's was the opposite. Not only does she say that she is glad people have a choice between having a gay or straight marriage (by the way, she's assuming homosexuality is a choice), but she also said she believes marriage to be between a man and a woman. Also, same-sex marriage is not a choice in most states aside from Massachusetts, Iowa, and Vermont, so how is there even a choice? But anyway, this is how it went down:
Not only did she completely not take into account the entire gay rights struggle in California (which I don't see how she was chosen to represent an entire state with her views, but oh well), but she also created dissent among the gay and straight community, which, as Perez Hilton stated in his blog response to the whole incident, a Miss America should not do. His blog response is below:
Perez Hilton's Video Response
Although I am not a big fan of Perez Hilton, I agree with his basic argument of why he thought Miss California lost, which was that she did not make a intelligent response to the question. But if I will go as far as to call her a "dumb bitch" is another point entirely. And the answer to that is yes, I agree with him on that too.
And Tango Makes Three
In 2005, writers Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell wrote a children's book called And Tango Makes Three. For the third consecutive year, this book has managed to make it to the top of the American Library Association's (ALA) Top Ten list of the Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2008. More books on the list include:"His Dark Materials Trilogy" (Series), Philip Pullman
Reasons: Political Viewpoint, Religious Viewpoint, Violence
"TTYL"; "TTFN"; "L8R, G8R" (Series), Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
"Scary Stories" (Series), Alvin Schwartz
Reasons: Occult/Satanism, Religious Viewpoint, Violence
"Bless Me, Ultima," by Rudolfo Anaya
Reasons: Occult/Satanism, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Sexually Explicit, Violence
"The Perks of Being A Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Drugs, Homosexuality, Nudity, Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Suicide, Unsuited to Age Group
"Gossip Girl" (Series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
Reasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
"Uncle Bobby's Wedding," by Sarah S. Brannen
Reasons: Homosexuality, Unsuited to Age Group
"The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini
Reasons: Offensive Language, Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
"Flashcards of My Life," by Charise Mericle Harper
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Unsuited to Age Group
Want to know the reasoning behind why And Tango Makes Three is on the list?
Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Anti-Family, Homosexuality, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group.
The story deals with the true story of two male penguins living in New York City’s Central Park Zoo who took care of an orphaned egg. So why is this a big controversy? For the fact that it shows how a homosexual relationship (even in another species) can work. Author Justin Richardson says, "[There is a] great deal of anxiety, especially among conservative parents when it comes to talking to children about gay families. The notion that telling a child about gay people will increase his chances of becoming gay is scientifically untenable, but it sure endures.”
Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom had this to say on the matter:
"Books, magazines, and other reading materials should reflect the diverse views and the rich multicultural tapestry of our Nation. While not every book is right for each reader, every reader has the right to choose reading materials for themselves and their families and should be able to find those materials in libraries, classrooms, and bookstores. Our goal is to protect one of our most precious fundamental rights—our freedom to read."
So not only are they attacking our right at marriage, happiness and equality, but they are now trying to take away our rights to what we can read. If that doesn't sound the least bit Fascist, then I don't know what is. But again, my opinion....
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Kanye's A Gay FIsh
Yes, the title is rather attractive, and pretty self explanatory, so there is no need to continue reading any further than this period. If you're reading this, you've read too far. If you've made it to this point, then I guess this does require an explanation. South Park, which is an animated show "notorious for its crude, surreal, and often very dark humor, which satirizes a wide range of topics including religion, politics, violence, abuse, sexuality, and mental illnesses," as Vanessa Grigoriadis of Rolling Stone magazine wrote. I believe that is the most accurate description of what South Park is. One thing the quote didn't mention is that South Park also loves to make fun of pop culture, especially its current icons.
This is where Kanye West comes in (or as some people refer to him, "Yeezy." Where they come up with half of those letters I'll never know, but that's for another blog post). He's known for his over inflated ego and sense of self-importance, but aside from all his flaws, his is also known as one of the first black hip-hop/r & b rappers to speak out against homophobia, not only in the black community, but also in the rapping industry. Could his acceptance of homosexuals be why South Park created an episode called "Fish Sticks" where Kanye West is portrayed as a closeted homosexual fish? Perhaps, but no one but me seems to be asking this question... Also, Kanye seems to be taking it well. His blog reaction is one of a sort of understanding with slight undertones of actually being angry at the way the episode portrayed him. Check out a clip below.
This is where Kanye West comes in (or as some people refer to him, "Yeezy." Where they come up with half of those letters I'll never know, but that's for another blog post). He's known for his over inflated ego and sense of self-importance, but aside from all his flaws, his is also known as one of the first black hip-hop/r & b rappers to speak out against homophobia, not only in the black community, but also in the rapping industry. Could his acceptance of homosexuals be why South Park created an episode called "Fish Sticks" where Kanye West is portrayed as a closeted homosexual fish? Perhaps, but no one but me seems to be asking this question... Also, Kanye seems to be taking it well. His blog reaction is one of a sort of understanding with slight undertones of actually being angry at the way the episode portrayed him. Check out a clip below.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The War In Iraq
The war in Iraq has consumed news and blog headlines everywhere for close to a decade, and sadly, it's about to claim another victim. Yes, that's right, I am going to talk about a war in Iraq, but not the one you would think. This war is being fought by the Iraqi LGBT, a human rights group started in 2005 to support Iraqi gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
Currently, there are over 100 men waiting to be sentenced to death for being homosexual. They were all found guilty of homosexuality by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, which is notorious not only for not giving people a fair trial, but also for ignoring international standards against torture. The Iraqi LGBT has asked for the help of Obama, as well as people around the world to help stop the execution of homosexuals.
Currently, there are over 100 men waiting to be sentenced to death for being homosexual. They were all found guilty of homosexuality by the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, which is notorious not only for not giving people a fair trial, but also for ignoring international standards against torture. The Iraqi LGBT has asked for the help of Obama, as well as people around the world to help stop the execution of homosexuals.
Tony To Vatican: Evolve!
If you don't understand the humor, I can break it down for you. It's making fun of the churches view on marriage by showing this minister approving the marriage of a man and a chicken, but not gay marriage. In all actuality, there are areas where it is legal to marry your first cousin. Then again, incest has always been church approved if you look close enough. How do you think Adam and Eve continued their pure bloodline? By keeping it in the family, quite literally. Again, I digress.....
The Catholic church is full of contradictions and some outdated practices, even Tony Blair agrees with me. Tony Blair said the Vatican is out of step with ordinary Catholics and the public over homosexuality. In an interview with Reuters, Blair said:
"When people quote the passages in Leviticus condemning homosexuality, I say to them -- if you read the whole of the Old Testament and took everything that was there in a literal way ... you'd have some pretty tough policies."Blair, who converted to Catholicism in 2007, has always been an advocate of pro-gay policies. He believes that the church needs to change along with the times. He says that the church's view on homosexual acts (not homosexuality) stems from a "huge generational difference" and should be reevaluated for the current generation.
This is the kind of thinking I love to read about when I hear about reform and change. That's right, Tony Blair, give yourself a round of applause. And as always, England prevails!
Gay Porn Wrangler Dead
Jack Wrangler, a famous gay porn icon who began his career in the 70's, has died. What does this mean to you, you may think? Well, to be honest, not very much if you're not familiar with the gay community. But let's travel back in time to the 1970's. Civil Rights Movements. Free love, not just for women, but also for men. Jack Wrangler emerges out of this time as one of the first gay porn stars. Although I've never seen any of his work, I've heard that it is very inspirational.
As to exactly 'what' is inspired is debatable. But one thing that is certain is his open sexuality and his macho man persona helped paved the way for gay men everywhere to feel just a little bit more comfortable about their sexuality. For that, his life deserves commending.
Below is clip from the 2008 documentary titled Anatomy of an Icon, which depicts the life of Jack Wrangler, as well as Jack Wrangler himself. I recommend checking it out if I have piqued your interest.
As to exactly 'what' is inspired is debatable. But one thing that is certain is his open sexuality and his macho man persona helped paved the way for gay men everywhere to feel just a little bit more comfortable about their sexuality. For that, his life deserves commending.
Below is clip from the 2008 documentary titled Anatomy of an Icon, which depicts the life of Jack Wrangler, as well as Jack Wrangler himself. I recommend checking it out if I have piqued your interest.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Global Gay Rights?
I wish I could say that government flip-flops are all bad, but after the US signed the UN gay rights document asking for the decriminalization of homosexuality around the world, how can I still entertain that idea anymore?! Unlike the Bush administration, Obama decided to support this act not only for homosexuals, but for humanity as a whole. The US, along with the 66 other U.N. member states, now support a U.N. statement in December that condemned human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
As of right now, 77 countries have homosexuality as illegal, and 7 of those have the punishment for homosexuality as death. While many people, including the Catholic Church (who would have thought?) believe that signing a document that demands the decriminalization of homosexuality is just a ploy to get the world to accept and legalize same-sex marriages.Bush feared that if a document like that were signed, it will attempt to override individual states' rights on issues like gay marriage. Sadly, the Obama administration said that signing the document "commits us to no legal obligations." But still, I believe this global effort to grant every homosexual the right to live their life free from persecution is a sign of hope nonetheless.
Supreme Justice Has Supreme Bias
I'm sure many of us know that some of the government officials out there with the power to vote on gay rights bills are more than likely not in love with the idea of man on man, or woman on woman relationships. In fact, you might even go as far as to call them homophobic. Well, at least that's what Masscahusetts Rep. Barney Frank called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in an interview on Monday.
Frank said that eventually the decision to overrule The Defense of Marriage Act and allow same sex marriages will reach the Supreme Court and it will be up to the judges to decide on the constitutionality of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). This gay representative says he hopes the decision is not left to the current court justices, especially Scalia, because of the amount of influence he holds, as well as his homophobic nature. Like I said, the interview with Frank was put on an online gay news website (365gay.com) and is conveniently embedded below for your viewing pleasure. Or, if you want to view it directly from the site, click here.
Frank said that eventually the decision to overrule The Defense of Marriage Act and allow same sex marriages will reach the Supreme Court and it will be up to the judges to decide on the constitutionality of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). This gay representative says he hopes the decision is not left to the current court justices, especially Scalia, because of the amount of influence he holds, as well as his homophobic nature. Like I said, the interview with Frank was put on an online gay news website (365gay.com) and is conveniently embedded below for your viewing pleasure. Or, if you want to view it directly from the site, click here.
Frank's Discussion on the New Gay Agenda in Washington
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Marriage Redefined
Good news! Although gay marriage is not recognized (or accepted) in most of the known world, at least Merriam-Webster recognized it in it's dictionary. Actually, it's been that way since 2003, but nobody has noticed Merriam-Webster's inclusion of same-sex marriage in the dictionary until recently. Ha! Take that Conservatives! Little by little same-sex marriage is being recognized under your noses.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Homosexuality Not A Game
First off, I'll begin by apologizing for my recent absence in post, but I firmly believe that is was a lapse in judgment on my university's part for having midterms and St. Patrick's Day a week from each other. I mean, come one, we're in college. Logically, after finishing the ever-stressful midterms, one will turn to drinking, and what better time than St. Pattie's Day, where everyone is Irish (because apparently all you need to do to be Irish is wear green). So now that my typing fingers have grown cobwebs, it's time to crank out the news. And boy is there news to be told!
We'll start off with a personal experience of mine. I'm a moderate video gamer. I like to go online and play with other, random people. Yes, I am in fact a nerd. Yes, the sunlight does in fact burn me. But all of that is beside the point. I've noticed a recurring trend every time i defeat another player online. Aside from the profanity (which there is always a lot of), I also get called "gay", "fag", "homo", and variations thereof. I mean, I don't really mind because it's pretty true, but the fact that they say that because they don't know me, and that they use it in an insulting manner is a bit annoying.
So when I heard Microsoft (which is the company that runs XBOX Live) was discriminating against homosexuals, it didn't come as too much of a shock. Apparently, XBOX Live Banned a lesbian because she put on her gamer profile that she was a lesbian. GASP! People being themselves! Anyway, Microsoft apparently received complaints from many parents of XBOX Live users saying they didn't want their children to be exposed to "that crap." Microsoft says that it automatically bans terms such as gay, lesbians, etc. I don't know if any of you have ever played online with some of these people. Reading the words lesbian or gay isn't their problem. Getting them to shut up about it is. As well as all the misogynistic and racist language that goes on. I wonder what Microsoft is doing about this? Absolutely, nothing so far.
We'll start off with a personal experience of mine. I'm a moderate video gamer. I like to go online and play with other, random people. Yes, I am in fact a nerd. Yes, the sunlight does in fact burn me. But all of that is beside the point. I've noticed a recurring trend every time i defeat another player online. Aside from the profanity (which there is always a lot of), I also get called "gay", "fag", "homo", and variations thereof. I mean, I don't really mind because it's pretty true, but the fact that they say that because they don't know me, and that they use it in an insulting manner is a bit annoying.
So when I heard Microsoft (which is the company that runs XBOX Live) was discriminating against homosexuals, it didn't come as too much of a shock. Apparently, XBOX Live Banned a lesbian because she put on her gamer profile that she was a lesbian. GASP! People being themselves! Anyway, Microsoft apparently received complaints from many parents of XBOX Live users saying they didn't want their children to be exposed to "that crap." Microsoft says that it automatically bans terms such as gay, lesbians, etc. I don't know if any of you have ever played online with some of these people. Reading the words lesbian or gay isn't their problem. Getting them to shut up about it is. As well as all the misogynistic and racist language that goes on. I wonder what Microsoft is doing about this? Absolutely, nothing so far.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Can We Fix It? Yes, We Can!
The gay community has, and continues to, face overwhelming injustices. Some stem from denying the right to marriage to same sex couple, and others are laws made with the pure intention of completely discriminating against couples of the same sex. One in particular is the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) of 1996. You can thank ole Bill Clinton for that. That's right Bill, be sad. This is only one of the many other mistakes Bill Clinton made during his 2 terms as president.A brief overview of the Defense of Marriage Act:
- No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) need treat a relationship between persons of the same sex as a marriage, even if the relationship is considered a marriage in another state.
- The Federal Government may not treat same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.
Yeah, that is the gist of it. But since then, a couple states have declared same sex marriage legal, but the discrimination from DOMA still lingers, and these couples that have been married feel it harder than anyone. This is why these same sex couples are suing the US government because the law denies gay couples access to more than 1,000 federal programs and legal protections in which marriage is a factor. Yeah, this is obviously not fair, especially when every citizen should be given the same rights.
Legal analysts think it'll be years before the suit even makes its way through the federal court system, but said they believed it had a good chance of eventually leading to the invalidation of the act's power to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. This would be a huge milestone if and when it does happen. Also, following behind the couples example, about 18,000 other couples who were married in California are expected to do the same. I don't know about you, but I can't wait for this to finally reach the courts and take effect. Too bad I might be in my 30's by then. I'm 21 right now by the way.....
But yeah, Bill screwed us gay people pretty royally (no pun intended), but Obama proves to be a more hopeful choice. Barack Obama's stance on GLBT
rights are as follow:- Expand hate crimes statuses
- Fight workplace discrimination and Promote rights
- Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for GLBT Couples
- Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
- Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
- Fight AIDS Worldwide
This laundry list of things he has vowed to do during his term has yet to be completely started yet, which is understandable in a way. One crisis at a time, really. Then again, I hope (notice how I used the word 'hope', which is one of Obama's many one word catchphrases] this all wasn't a bunch of talk so that he could get elected. I will borrow a line from Bob The Builder and go on record saying, "Can we fix it ('it' being this ass-backwards government policy that doesn't grant every citizen the same rights as other citizens)? Yes, we can!"
More On Moore, But Less Of Silverman?
With the impending release of the film Watchmen, I thought it only fair to mention the man behind film, the actual creator of the Watchmen comics, Mister Alan Moore himself.
Yes, yes. But wait, what does he have to do with gay rights or even homosexuals you may be wondering? Well, his comics, including (but not limited to) The Watchmen, Hellblazer, and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman each depict many different facets of the gay community and lifestyles. Alan Moore was actually one of the first people to introduce homosexuals (and not in a negative way mind you) in comic books. I think that is a rather big accomplishment and he should be mentioned for it.
But while on the topic of entertainment/film/television, Sarah Silverman's GLBT friendly (kinda) show has been one of the cuts from the Comedy Central line up. Due to the economic hardships Viacom (Comedy Central's parent company) is facing, it has told all of its subsidiaries to cut costs anywhere they could.
Is this the end of The Sarah Silverman Program? Nope. Somehow (and for whatever reason) it has been spared the grave for now. The show will now be co-financed with gay-oriented sister cable network Logo. Apparently this is not the first instance where Logo and Comedy Central both finance a show to keep it on the air. Another example would be the show Drawn Together, which has a gay character in it. It's refreshing to see that there is at least someone looking out for the few gay oriented tv shows out there. Viva La Rainbow Revolucion!
*applause*
*applause*
*applause*Yes, yes. But wait, what does he have to do with gay rights or even homosexuals you may be wondering? Well, his comics, including (but not limited to) The Watchmen, Hellblazer, and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman each depict many different facets of the gay community and lifestyles. Alan Moore was actually one of the first people to introduce homosexuals (and not in a negative way mind you) in comic books. I think that is a rather big accomplishment and he should be mentioned for it.
But while on the topic of entertainment/film/television, Sarah Silverman's GLBT friendly (kinda) show has been one of the cuts from the Comedy Central line up. Due to the economic hardships Viacom (Comedy Central's parent company) is facing, it has told all of its subsidiaries to cut costs anywhere they could.Is this the end of The Sarah Silverman Program? Nope. Somehow (and for whatever reason) it has been spared the grave for now. The show will now be co-financed with gay-oriented sister cable network Logo. Apparently this is not the first instance where Logo and Comedy Central both finance a show to keep it on the air. Another example would be the show Drawn Together, which has a gay character in it. It's refreshing to see that there is at least someone looking out for the few gay oriented tv shows out there. Viva La Rainbow Revolucion!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Trouble in the South
South America that is. Let's visit Brazil first on our brief journey south. The Roman Catholic church (in their infinite understanding and flexibility with the changing times) have decided to suspend Father Luiz Couto unless he renounces his views. What do his views include? Well, he defends the use of contraception, equal rights for homosexuals, as well as his opposition to celibacy for priests. Scandalous, right? A left-wing priest who keeps an open-mind is a thing the Catholic church refuses to endorse or even allow. As the times have changed, so should the Church evolve with them. The Roman Catholic church has refused to update many of its doctrines and scriptures, but who am I to judge?
The next and final stop is Argentina (short trip, I know). Argentina has put an end to the persecution of homosexuals (and homosexual acts) in the military. You may take this lightly, but the penalty for being convicted of committing a homosexual act in the military was death. Yeah, it was that serious. Now, the government (and by extension, the people) are trying harder to take control of their military, which, as of late, has become more powerful. Instead of appearing in front of a military tribunal when being charged with a crime, the Argentinian government feels that its citizens (including those in the military) have a right to be tried in a civilian court. This, to me, sounds like a better option than appearing in front of any military tribunal. Just the word 'tribunal' sounds deadly.
The next and final stop is Argentina (short trip, I know). Argentina has put an end to the persecution of homosexuals (and homosexual acts) in the military. You may take this lightly, but the penalty for being convicted of committing a homosexual act in the military was death. Yeah, it was that serious. Now, the government (and by extension, the people) are trying harder to take control of their military, which, as of late, has become more powerful. Instead of appearing in front of a military tribunal when being charged with a crime, the Argentinian government feels that its citizens (including those in the military) have a right to be tried in a civilian court. This, to me, sounds like a better option than appearing in front of any military tribunal. Just the word 'tribunal' sounds deadly.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hawaii Says Aloha To Same-Sex Unions
In the Hawaiian language, 'Aloha' can mean either hello or goodbye depending on the context that it is used. Aloha is the most accurate word to describe the state of the decisions to allow civil unions for same-sex couples in the state of Hawaii. Although the State House already passed it, there is a chance it can be denied in the Senate, which is currently in a deadlock with the committee divided. The vote is set to take place Tuesday on whether or not this decision will be passed. Since it's announcement, religious groups have begun buying television airtime and have erected blogs to announce the evils in passing such bill (of course).
Could Hawaii be the next state to allow same-sex civil unions, joining the list along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Vermont? Only time will tell.
Could Hawaii be the next state to allow same-sex civil unions, joining the list along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Vermont? Only time will tell.
England Hates Phelps
Well, the title is a bit too much, I know, but I was trying to simulate some of the hate-mongering protest slogans Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church followers (which, as it turns out, is Baptist in name only) come out with. Such mantras include: "God Hates America", "God Hates Fags", "You're Going To Hell", and my all time favorite, "God Is Your Enemy." This "church" has been known for protesting high profile events, homosexual related events, and also soldiers funerals.
Their infamy knows no bounds, except for the ones set for them. This week, while Fred Phelps (accompanied by his daughter) were on their way to England to protest a play about the murder of a gay man, England decided to bar Phelps from entering the country once it was known that his intentions were to protest. Bravo, England, Bravo. Their reasons for keeping the Westboro Minister (of hate) from entering the country are as follow:
"We do not share their hatred of lesbian and gay people. We believe that God loves all, irrespective of sexual orientation, and we unreservedly stand against their message of hate toward those communities."
Once again, England prevails before the United States of America. I, for one, commend Great Britain on their completely justified (and open-minded) response to the Phelps threat. Now if only England can get rid of its bias against Catholicism and we'd be good to go.....
Their infamy knows no bounds, except for the ones set for them. This week, while Fred Phelps (accompanied by his daughter) were on their way to England to protest a play about the murder of a gay man, England decided to bar Phelps from entering the country once it was known that his intentions were to protest. Bravo, England, Bravo. Their reasons for keeping the Westboro Minister (of hate) from entering the country are as follow:"We do not share their hatred of lesbian and gay people. We believe that God loves all, irrespective of sexual orientation, and we unreservedly stand against their message of hate toward those communities."
Once again, England prevails before the United States of America. I, for one, commend Great Britain on their completely justified (and open-minded) response to the Phelps threat. Now if only England can get rid of its bias against Catholicism and we'd be good to go.....
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"You Commie Homo Loving Sons Of Gun"
The Oscars this year proved a big achievement for the film Milk--the story of the life and struggles of gay rights activist Harvey Milk--with two Oscar wins in the categories of Best Original Screenplay (by Dustin Lance Black) and Best Actor in a Leading Role (by Sean Penn). Both Dustin and Sean's acceptance speeches were highly inspiration for the GLBTQ community and every word mattered (despite the feeble homophobic protest outside the Oscars).
An excerpt from Sean Penn's Acceptance Speech:
You Commie homo-loving sons of guns! I did not expect this, but I — and I want to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me. Often. But I — I am touched by the appreciation and I hoped for it enough that I scribbled down — so I have the names in case you were Commie homo-loving sons of guns.
For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.
An excerpt from Dustin Lance Black's Acceptance Speech:
I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.
Now imagine both speeches without the words "gay" or "lesbian" in them. It wouldn't make much sense now would it? Tell that to the 53 Asian nations that censored such words that mentioned equal rights for homosexuals. The STARS satellite network, owned by Rupert Murdoch (big surprise there), felt the need to take it upon themselves to censure such words in the Asian nations, as well as current speculations that same thing was done in India. Public outcry against this censorship has sprung up all over Asian forums.
The only response from the company came from Jannie Poon, STAR's Hong Kong-based spokeswoman, who said that the company had no intention of upsetting any viewers, but said it had "a responsibility to take the sensitivities and guidelines of all our markets into consideration." I wonder what other things such networks feel the "responsibility" to censure from us.
An excerpt from Sean Penn's Acceptance Speech:You Commie homo-loving sons of guns! I did not expect this, but I — and I want to be very clear that I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me. Often. But I — I am touched by the appreciation and I hoped for it enough that I scribbled down — so I have the names in case you were Commie homo-loving sons of guns.
For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.
An excerpt from Dustin Lance Black's Acceptance Speech:I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.
Now imagine both speeches without the words "gay" or "lesbian" in them. It wouldn't make much sense now would it? Tell that to the 53 Asian nations that censored such words that mentioned equal rights for homosexuals. The STARS satellite network, owned by Rupert Murdoch (big surprise there), felt the need to take it upon themselves to censure such words in the Asian nations, as well as current speculations that same thing was done in India. Public outcry against this censorship has sprung up all over Asian forums.
The only response from the company came from Jannie Poon, STAR's Hong Kong-based spokeswoman, who said that the company had no intention of upsetting any viewers, but said it had "a responsibility to take the sensitivities and guidelines of all our markets into consideration." I wonder what other things such networks feel the "responsibility" to censure from us.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Queer Ear - Introductions
My name is Jonathan Espino and I am a bisexual Journalism student at Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago. I mention bisexual as a sort of way to establish a backdrop for blogging about the topic I will discuss.
At first glance, this would appear like another rant-driven blog with yet another person posting their completely bias opinion on issues with half truths, and even less facts. I'm sure at some points that will be true, but I come bearing the gift of information. I will non-denominationally christen this website The Queer Ear. [Original, huh?]
As you can probably gather from the title, this blog will consist of information concerning the GLBTQ community, as well as news (on a global scale) that consists of GLBTQ topics. When people think of gay rights, only the struggles in the United States come to mind, but that is obviously not the case. Intolerance exists all around the world, and it's time their struggles were also brought to light.
At first glance, this would appear like another rant-driven blog with yet another person posting their completely bias opinion on issues with half truths, and even less facts. I'm sure at some points that will be true, but I come bearing the gift of information. I will non-denominationally christen this website The Queer Ear. [Original, huh?]
As you can probably gather from the title, this blog will consist of information concerning the GLBTQ community, as well as news (on a global scale) that consists of GLBTQ topics. When people think of gay rights, only the struggles in the United States come to mind, but that is obviously not the case. Intolerance exists all around the world, and it's time their struggles were also brought to light.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
