Wednesday, August 22, 2007

GLBT DIGEST August 22, 2007

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


=

Newsweek

Begum Nawazish Ali - Drag Queen Defies U.S.

Lahore, Pakistan - "I'm a drag queen, darling.not an extremist.and I stillsay if Pakistanis had more self-respect, we'd be even more anti-American,"says Ali Saleem, who glosses his lips and dons a sari each week to interviewcelebrities and politicians on his TV program Begum Nawazish Ali, a talkshow sensation in Pakistan. "I'm not speaking religion; it's common sense."

From politics to culture, Ali says American intervention in Pakistan has"brought nothing but sadness" by supporting dictators and renderingPakistan's people impotent, constantly looking to the outside world,particularly the U.S., for help solving its own problems.

Full article and video at
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/america/2007/08/begum_nawazish_ali_drag_queen.html .



=

BBC
21 Aug 07

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6956848.stm

Police in northern Nigeria have clashed with Muslim youths angry at aSharia court's decision to grant bail to 18 men accused of dressing aswomen. For about 30 minutes, the protesters held up traffic on Bauchi'smain street chanting slogans saying the accused men had been let offlightly.

Riot police fired teargas to disperse them, a BBC reporter in thenorth-eastern city says.

Trial judge Tanimu Abubakar freed five of the 18 men who met bailconditions.

The other 13 have been sent back to prison.

The men all pleaded not guilty to charges of "indecent dressing" and"vagrancy" and were granted bail after they paid 20,000 Naira ($158) each.

But some young men who gathered outside the court premises felt the mendid not deserve bail and began hurling stones at the court house.

The BBC's Shehu Saulawa in Bauchi says the trial is fast becoming "acelebrity case".

He says the court room was so crammed with people that many could not getin as the prosecution and defence presented their briefs.

The 18 men were arrested two weeks ago in a hotel room in Bauchi, which isgoverned by the Islamic Sharia legal system.



=

August 21, 2007
INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Concerns Increase for Safety of LGBT in 3 African Countries

For Immediate Release

Nigeria, Cameroon, and Uganda Increase Arrests and Threats toward theirLGBT Citizens

(Johannesburg, South Africa) The International Gay and Lesbian HumanRights Commission (IGLHRC) is deeply alarmed by increased violence,arrests, and threats of arrest of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals andtransgenders in three African nations. In recent weeks, 18 men have beendetained in Nigeria, purportedly for cross-dressing, 6 gay men have beenarrested in Cameroon on the heels of widely publicized detention andtrials last year that prompted United Nations intervention, and Ugandangovernment officials have joined homophobic religious institutions bycalling for the arrests of LGBT activists.

"In each of these countries, LGBT people are challenging the wall ofsilence around homosexuality and gender identity," said Paula Ettelbrick,IGLHRC Executive Director. "And in each country the government hasresponded with attempts to snuff out their peaceful pleas to be heard."

Nigeria

Teargas had to be used this morning to disperse an angry crowd intent onmeting out mob justice against 18 gay men who were arrested in BauchiState on Sunday, August 5. Bauchi is in Northern Nigeria and is governedby Sharia (Islamic law). The men, all whom are in their twenties, havebeen charged with "vagrancy," under Article 372 Sec 2(E) of the BauchiState Islamic code which prohibits cross-dressing and the practice ofsodomy. If convicted, the men face a one-year prison sentence and twentylashes. The men were not wearing women's clothes at the time of theirarrest, according to Joseph Akoro, director of the Independent Project(TIP), a Nigerian LGBT organization.

"This leads us to believe that the charges have been drummed up to incitehatred against gay people in the highly charged environment of ourcountry," said Akoro.

The men were guests at a straight wedding party held at Benko Hotel, inYelwa area of Bauchi. A number of other people were originally detainedat the party by the police and by the Hisbah, an Islamic anti-vice squadthat works hand-in-hand with the police, but all the women and non-Muslimswere all released.

According to IGLHRC's Research and Policy Associate for West Africa, JoelNana, who attended the hearing this morning before Alkali (Judge) MalamKanimi Aboubacar in the Tunda Al Khali Area court, the behavior of thecrowd was shocking.

"Both the prisoners and their lawyers were dehumanized and attacked by thecrowd," said Nana. "It seemed as if these men had already been tried andconvicted."

Cameroon and Uganda follow .....

contact Rays.list@comcast.net for the full article



=

Nigeria

Suspected Gays Stoned
Mustapha Shehu in Bauchi , 08.22.2007
Bauchi

Youth suspected to be gay, arrested a fortnight ago and arraigned beforethe Tudun Alkali Area Court in Bauchi, were yesterday stoned as they filedto enter the Black Maria that was to convey them back to prison.

The case, which was heard yesterday, attracted a large crowd of observersand journalists from foreign and local media, amidst heavy securityprovided by a joint team of the police and prison warders.

The high interest shown in the case might be due to insinuations that theymay be executed if convicted.

Section 372 of the Bauchi Shari'a Penal Code Law 2001, under which they werecharged, stipulates a maximum penalty of one year prison sentence and 30lashes on conviction.

These reports, according to a Counsel, must have informed taking-over of theprosecution by Bauchi State Ministry of Justice from the Nigeria police,who initially brought the charges against the youth, to avert any unforeseenerrors.

The police First Information Report (FIR) titled "Idle Persons andVagabonds," described them as: "dressed in women's fashion practising sodomyas their profession, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 372,Sub section 2(E) of Bauchi State Shari'ah Penal Code Law. suggested 2001.The presiding Alkali (Judge) Alhaji Tanimu Abubakar however described thecharge as misleading and erroneous as the suspects were only arrested withfemale attires. Delivering his address before adjourning the case toSeptember 13th to allow the new prosecuting team from the justice ministryheaded by Barrister Aliyu Ibn Abbas time to study the case, the Alkali saidthe charges should have been "vagabonds and wearing of female attire"without the sodomy aspect of it. THISDAY investigations revealed that thestoning incidence happened because seven of the suspects were granted bail.The stoning youths, suspected to be from the surrounding wards felt bitterthat instead of executing the suspects, they were being granted bail, asonly 11 of the 18 suspects were seen mounting the Black Maria after thecourt session.



=

Orlando

Please join us for another Tuesday Night HRC Social

The Human Rights Campaign's August gathering is at BRIX EUROBISTRO! BRIX isthe quaint, new little sidewalk bistro located on Lake Eola corner ofWashington Street.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

BRIX EUROBISTRO!
151 E. Washington St.. #103
Orlando, FL 32801
407.839.1707

Admission is free and open to the public.
For more information or to RSVP, please e-mail HRC-ORLANDO@cfl.rr.com.



=

SAVE THE DATE!
HRC ORLANDO PRESENTS
STEEL MAGNOLIAS SOUTHERN STYLE BRUNCH!
An Official Event of Coming Out with Pride Orlando
Sunday, October 14, 2007
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AND CAN BE PURCHASED AT THIS MONTH'S CONNECT EVENT!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR FABULOUS MENU, BUY TICKETS AND OUR SPECIALCELEBRITY GUEST AND ENTERTAINMENT!YOU CAN ALSO BECOME A SPONSOR!

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/orlandobrunchdetails.html?member_key=x8e5surp8jdii7&

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2007.



=

August 21, 2007

UNITE FORT LAUDERDALE
FLUSHNAUGLE.ORG

We hoped it would not happen, but of course the Mayor has opened his mouthagain. He called a press conference on the steps of City Hall today and onceagain came out swinging against several communities at once, all in the nameof the righteous. OUCH.

Today, flanked by 'religious leaders' from outside of Fort Lauderdale and a'medical expert' flown in from out of state, he stood on the steps of CityHall claiming victory in saving lives in Broward County. Once again in thename of being 'politically incorrect' the Mayor attacks minorities whilemisquoting statistics and chastising the health and community organizationsthat step up and help all our communities every day.

The Mayor is decades late in showing up for the fight against HIV and AIDS.And instead of working to help fight the good fight, he's once again hittingbelow the belt by attacking the people and organizations that have been inthe trenches for years.

This only further strengthens the need for the Commissioners of the City ofFort Lauderdale to finally react and put an end to this one-man side show ofhate, bigotry and bias.

We need you to call, write and email the City Commissioners, asking,demanding that enough is enough, no more black eyes for Greater FortLauderdale.

Visit http://www.flushnaugle.org/action.html now and let your electedofficials know you have taken a stand and now it is time for them to do thesame.

There are updates on www.FlushNuagle.org as well as information on the www.UniteFortLauderdale.org

Please visit both and get into the fight to put an end to this masqueradethe Mayor calls a crusade for health.



=

Sun-Sentinel

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-821naugle,0,6195496.story?coll=sofla_tab01_layout

South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Mayor Naugle, other speakers attack gay sex
By Brittany Wallman
7:46 PM EDT, August 21, 2007

FORT LAUDERDALE

Mayor Jim Naugle and several religious leaders held a news conferenceTuesday to draw attention to what they described as the moral and healthrisks of gay sex.

Naugle is at the center of a political war between gays and religiousconservatives that started earlier this summer when he said public bathroomsin Fort Lauderdale are plagued by gay men cruising for sex and said he usesthe term "homosexual'' because "most of them aren't gay. They're unhappy.''

At a news conference in front of City Hall on Tuesday, Naugle and otherspeakers called on gays to end promiscuous sex in order to stem BrowardCounty's HIV/AIDS crisis. Though the health department has no statisticsconcerning how many cases of HIV are contracted via sex in public bathroomsor parks, Naugle has tied the two issues together.

He said he has learned a lot about HIV/AIDS since the controversy began inJuly, and he's motivated to speak out against gay sex in public places notby religious beliefs but by "public health.''

"I think Broward County is forever changed from this exercise,'' he said."We are going to have less of this activity and I think we're going to savesome lives in this county.''

A health department official said some of the statistics used by the mayorare outdated. For example, the county is no longer first in the nation inAIDS cases per 100,000 residents, said the official, AIDS surveilliancemanager Pat Callahan Taylor. Broward County does have an HIV/AIDS crisis,she said, and has had one for years. But it's not isolated to gay men.

Black, heterosexual women make up a significant number of new HIV cases.Women make up a third of the 6,913 HIV cases diagnosed in Broward in thepast 10 years.

"I think it's really important when you're looking at the numbers to notjust look at parts of it,'' said Taylor. "One of our favorite quotes is ifyou torture a statistic long enough, it will confess to anything. And Ithink that's what we've seen.''

Speakers at the news conference veered from the topic of public health todiscuss the morality of homosexuality, and the event only served to inflamegay activists more.

Though Fort Lauderdale is considered one of the most gay friendly touristdestinations in the country, it has become ground zero for a bitter fightabout the morality of homosexuality itself.

"It shows the obsession he has with this,'' said Anthony Niedwiecki, whohelped form Unite Fort Lauderdale in the wake of the mayor's comments. "Hehasn't been in the media for four days, so he has to have a pressconference.''

The speakers included the Rev. O'Neal Dozier of Pompano Beach's WorldwideChristian Center; Dr. John Diggs of the Massachusetts Physicians ResourceCouncil; religious radio personality Janet Folger of Faith2Action; GaryCass, president of the Christian Anti-Defamation League; Pastor WillieMcBride of Lauderdale Christian Center in Plantation; and the mayor.

In front of a banner declaring "Naugle is right,'' Dozier announced that thegroup and their "Healthy Public Places'' effort were reaching out to gays"in the spirit of love.'' He said, "our coalition is not anti-gay. We areanti-sin.''

"We love them, and God loves them,'' Dozier said. "But God hates the act ofhomosexuality. It is perverted and goes against God's design.''

One of the negative impacts of this "abomination,'' he said, is the spreadof HIV/AIDS.

"I don't want to see God destroy America in the way he destroyed Sodom andGomorrah,'' Dozier added.

"We are concerned of the moral fiber of this city,'' said Pastor WillieMcBride, of the Lauderdale Christian Center in Plantation. " ... We have nohatred in our hearts toward you,'' he said. "When I lie, steal or cheat, Goddoesn't start hating me. But he hates the act.''

Dr. John Diggs, an internist from Massachusstts and author of a paper titled"The Health Risks of Gay Sex,'' said he traveled to Fort Lauderdale to backup the mayor. Diggs is outspoken on the issue of gay sex and homosexuality.

"It should be clearly seen that homosexual acts have a key role in thespread of all sexually transmitted diseases,'' Diggs said, adding that"homosexuality is an act, it's not the nature of a person.''

Broward County's Health Department (www.browardchd.org) reports thatwomen -- African-American heterosexuals in particular -- make up a largeportion of newly reported HIV cases. Diggs said that could be attributed tomen on "the down low,'' that is men in heterosexual relationships who engagein gay sex and infect their wives or girlfriends.

In the audience, gay activists said the speakers were using the HIV/AIDSissue to stigmatize gays and condone violence against them.

As Folger spoke, one man's voice drowned out her comments.

"This is unacceptable!'' shouted Michael Rajner, of Broward County,president of Campaign to End AIDS. "You're using the Bible as a weaponagainst the community! And this is wrong!''

Rajner, 36, said he contracted HIV in New York and has lived 12 years withAIDS.

"You are demonizing AIDS!'' He shouted.

My heart goes out to you, sir,'' Folger answered, attempting to continue herspeech.

"Every hate crime that comes out of here is at your feet!'' shoutedNiedwiecki, holding a printout of a story about the murder of KennethCummings Jr. in Houston, whose suspected killer told the Houston Chroniclelast month that he was sending Cummings to Hell because he was gay.

Naugle spoke last, saying he realized he could save lives. His comments havebeen picked up by newspapers and online Web sites and television stationsacross the world. Last week, the New York Times wrote about him.

One key question has been whether sex in public bathrooms is a problem inFort Lauderdale at all.

Fort Lauderdale police spokesman Sgt. Frank Sousa said in July that itwasn't, and the department has not changed its position.

Naugle said Tuesday that the latest information from the police departmentshows nine arrests for sex in public in the last two years: five in MillsPond Park, one at Coral Ridge Mall, two at Holiday Park, and one at theSouth Beach parking lot.

He said he doesn't advocate cutting off marketing to gay tourists, despitehis comments that the county is in a "dilemma'' inviting gay tourists herewhile at the same time battling a high number of HIV and AIDS cases frommale sex.

"We are going to continue to invite people to our community as long as theybehave lawfully,'' Naugle said.

Tourism officials have cringed at some of the mayor's statements.

On CNN, host Rick Sanchez asked Naugle earlier this month: "Are you sayingthat tourism dollars should not be spent to attract gay visitors to SouthFlorida, because they might contract AIDS, here?''

And he answered: "It's not the men coming here spreading the disease.Unfortunately, it's people going home with the disease that maybe theydidn't have before they visited Fort Lauderdale.''

City Hall has been inundated with emails on the topic. One woman said shewas a lesbian and would not spend another dime here.

"I will now be finding another vacation destination to spend my touristdollars because I could not stand to spend one penny in a place where themayor is such an arrogant homophobic bigot and yet claims to be a Christian.Shame on you for hijacking the Christian faith and using it to spew yourhateful, elitist garbage,'' her e-mail reads.

The mayor responded with a tourism suggestion: "I hear Atlantis is nice. OrCasa de Campo in the DR (Dominican Republic). Jim''

Staff writer Bob LaMendola contributed to this report.

Brittany Wallman can be reached at bwallman@sun-sentinel.com or954-356-4541.



=

Links to more reports regarding Mayor Naugle's press conference:

Channel 10 - http://www.local10.com/news/13941102/detail.html

Channel 4 - http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_233132021.html

The Miami Herald - http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/211013.html



=

Wilton Manors

Rosie's to Sponsor "BINGO" Fundraiser Labor Day Weekend

Rosie's Bar and Grill will hold a Beach Bingo Party as a fundraiser for thePALS Project, a key program of the GLCC on Saturday, September 1st. Rosie'swill offer two rounds of Bingo, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., as part of its"Big Top" events for Labor Day weekend. What could be more fun thanspending a laughter-filled afternoon with hot bodies in sexy beach attire,juicy burgers, frosty drinks and cries of "Bingo!" echoing through WiltonManors?

"We were so thankful when Rosie's contacted us, letting us know they wouldlike to organize and sponsor a fundraiser for our program," said KristoferFegenbush, PALS Project Coordinator. In addition to Bingo, judges willaward prizes for "Best Beach Blanket Table Decoration," "Best IndividualBeach Attire" and "Best Group Effort for Beach Attire." All events willoccur under a huge tent with a cooling system, to provide a perfect retreatfrom the sun and heat of Labor Day weekend.

Rosie's will donate proceeds from each session of Bingo to the PALS Project.The PALS Project provides HIV+ men with vital social support, accurate HIVinformation and practical, effective strategies to lead safer, richer lives."The managers and owners of Rosie's want to help the PALS Project continueto grow," said Keith Willard, Events Manager at Rosie's Bar and Grill. ThePALS Project is funded by The Florida Department of Health, Bureau ofHIV/AIDS and is sponsored by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of SouthFlorida.



=

"Wicked Manors Block Party - Scheduled, October 31st"

WILTON MANORS, FL - The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida(GLCC), Wilton Manors Business Association, Wilton Manors Main Street andthe City of Wilton Manors announced today a combined effort in putting on aHalloween extravaganza. The GLCC, already known for hosting a successfulHalloween event join forces for the Wicked Manors Block Party to be held onWilton Drive between 7th and 11th Avenues. This year's event will start at7:00pm with lots of festivities planned throughout the evening.

Co-chair Bobby Kyser, owner of Petals Panache said "Not only will this be avery fun evening but the proceeds of this event will benefit the programsand services of the GLCC and the revitalization of Wilton Manors." The GLCCserves the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community providinginformation, education, advocacy, support, human services, culturalexperiences and social opportunities. The center works to foster personaldevelopment and quality of life for the entire community embracingindividuality and diversity, promoting awareness, acceptance, celebrationand pride. Wilton Manors Main Street is a nonprofit group made up ofresidents, business owners, property owners and organizations that createsan environment on Wilton Drive where commerce, art and housingenthusiastically coexist. "This event will benefit the community and all thebusinesses on the drive with much needed exposure." Co-chair Doug Cureton,owner of What's the Scoop went on to say, "we are hoping to establish thisinto an annual block party to rival that of other cities nation-wide."

Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article.



=

TruthWinsOut.org

http://www.truthwinsout.org/

TRUTH WINS OUT WARNS REPORTERS OF NEW BIASED 'EX-GAY' SHAM STUDY ON THE
HORIZON

TWO Challenges 'Ex-Gay' Researcher To Have Study Subjects Submit To 'No Lie
MRI' To Prove Tales of Change Are True

NEW YORK - Truth Wins Out warned news organizations today that a biased newpolitically motivated "ex-gay" sham study will reportedly surface later thisyear. A controversial "researcher" at a right wing religious university willrelease it and the goal of the study, known as "The Thomas Project," is toshow that ex-gay therapy is often successful. Unfortunately, an early reportby the website Ex-Gay Watch indicates that the research likely consists ofcalling handpicked ex-gay lobbyists and ministry leaders on the telephoneand asking if they had "changed." There is no indication that key physicalmeasures or tests were included, such as a "No Lie MRI," which is ascientific truth-detecting brain scan.

"Any 'ex-gay' study that does not include physical components that measuretruth are essentially meaningless," said Truth Wins Out's Executive DirectorWayne Besen. "We challenge Dr. Stanton Jones to submit his so-called ex-gaysubjects to the 'No Lie MRI' because we believe that ex-gay ministries areconsumer fraud and his reported study may be invalid. Our direct challengeis a unique opportunity for ex-gay organizations to back up their outrageoustales of transformation and prove us wrong once and for all. What are theyafraid of?" (Read More)



=

Support Caitlin MacIntyre and Other Heterosexual Allies
Who Are Leading "Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights"
in States Around The Country This October

"When I was in the fourth grade my father came out of the closet as a gayman. I have never been so proud of him. Unable to marry, have children, orlive peacefully without fear of violence, he chose to closet himself inorder to attain the simple human rights the rest of us simply expect. He wasforced to hide decades ago and people are still forced into hiding now. Theyare stifling their pride in our schools to avoid the hateful taunts andviolence of their classmates, disguising themselves in their places ofemployment to avoid an otherwise groundless dismissal, lying about theirorientation so that they can have the child they always dreamed of, and evenmarrying members of the opposite sex for stability, the American dream, andfreedom from hate and homophobia.

There are also many who have had the courage to speak out and declarethemselves proud. Their journey is one of trial and blatant discriminationand they are forced to travel it not out of choice, but because of thepeople they love. It is time we as straight allies refuse to accept thistreatment of our fellow Americans in the so-called land of the free. It isone thing to see and understand injustice and another thing entirely tostand up and fight against it. Many of us know that the oppression of GLBTindividuals is horrible and wrong, but few have found an outlet to expressour disapproval. The result is that issues of equality are labeled as 'gayissues' or seen as radical demands of the few. It's time we change thismisconception by choosing to follow our GLBT friends, neighbors, family, andfellow Americans and declare our intentions to be counted. Seven StraightNights can allow allies this opportunity.

As GLBT Americans have stood in the face of prejudice and declared theirtrue identity, I have come out as an ally and an activist and I will neveragain retreat.

Contact Ray's List for the full article.



=

Wilton Manors

Forwarded from Listron Mannix - M Project Facilitator

My name is Listron Mannix better know as "Blue" in our community. Some ofyou might have even meet me at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC),where I perform the HIV Test and am a Drug abuse Counselor. I have now takenon the responsibility of being one of the new M Project Facilitators,working closely with Ricardo.

I just wanted to send out a personal email to all the members' and/or peopleon our mailing list. I truly hope to see each you at our Thursday CoreMeetings at 7pm. And if you have yet to experience our one time attendance,Twice monthly Saturday meetings (MPOWERMENT) where you also receive a giftcertificate for attending, I do encourage you to come and meet new guys andlets learn how to Mpower ourselves to Mpower other gay and bisexual men.This meeting starts at 1pm. Check out our my space web page:www.myspace.com/m954guys , for more info, which I also must admit is still abit under construction, if there are any ideas on how to make the pagebetter I am very open to hear them and also some assistance in designingthis page would be awesome (I am total amateur with my space).

I also wanted to thank those of you who I meet and chatted with here at the0M House. Continue to visit so I can get to know you, as I want you to get to know me. For those of you who don't know the M Project House is located at2645 N. Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL, 33311 (Just a few blocks north ofthe GLCC) and is open from 10am until 5:30pm Mon-Fri. The M Project House isfully equipped with computers (Internet), TV, Video Games and more. Or youjust come and chill, Its OUR Space, kind of like a lounge.

I look forward to meeting each of you and have a good time in an atmospherethat different form the Bars and Clubs.

If there are any questions, please don't be hesitate to call: 954 806 1103
(cell number) or 954 618 0736 or email 954guys@gmail.com.



=

Bilerico.com

http://www.bilerico.com/2007/08/truth_in_numbers_hate_crimes_statistics.php

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bilerico Project
Truth In Numbers, Hate Crimes Statistics
Filed by: Marti Abernathey
August 18, 2007 9:11 AM

From a recent report out of UCLA entitled: Comparison of Hate Crimes RatesAcross Protected and Unprotected Groups ( by Rebecca Stotzer, Public PolicyResearch Fellow at the Williams Institute)

Current proposed legislation would change certain existing federal hatecrime laws to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protectedcategories. Sexual orientation and gender identity are important categoriesfor inclusion in federal law because members of these groups are just aslikely to be victimized as members of other groups that are already covered,such as those based on race, religion, or national origin. A close analysisof hate crime rates demonstrates that groups that are already covered byhate crime laws, such as African Americans, Muslims, and Jews, reportsimilar rates of hate crime victimization as lesbians, gay men, andbisexuals, who are not currently federally protected.

On average:
. 8 in 100,000 African Americans report being the victim of hate crime
. 12 in 100,000 Muslims report being the victim of hate crime
. 15 in 100,000 Jews report the victim of hate crime
. 13 in 100,000 gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals report being the victim ofhate crime

Jim Burroway over at Box Turtle Bulletin has written about how:Many anti-gay activists point to the FBI's Hate Crime Statistics to claimthat gays and lesbians are not "oppressed" compared to anybody else.

more...



=

Forwarded from David Wylie
dlwylie2005@yahoo.com

I hope you'll take a moment to read this. This is not spam. I'm sending itto my friend list on Yahoo and if you receive this email unwanted justpolitely send me a message and I'll remove your name. But I hope you'll takea moment to read.

Did you know that Gay men are six times more likely to attempt suicide thantheir straight counterparts and the numbers increase exponentially duringthe holidays. A report from P-FLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians andGays) states that in a study of 5,000 gay men and women, 35 percent of gaymen and 38 percent of lesbians have considered or attempted suicide. Thestatistics are even higher among gay teens: The Department of Health studyindicates that gay youth are up to six times more likely to attempt suicidethan straight teens, and gay teenagers account for up to 30 percent of allteenage suicides in the nation.

For many Gay youth...suicide is the ultimate way to 'stay in the closet'.It would be better to not live than to be found out. But there is hope.

Groups like The Trevor Project are helping young Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, andquestioning youth find a reason to live. This Thursday, my 'lil bro', myfriend, my buddy, Geo is doing his part to bring attention to the problem ofthe struggle gay youth have with thoughts of suicide by celebrating his 21stbirthday with a benefit for The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) atClub Discotekka in downtown Miami. This is a cause close to Geo's heartbecause less than a year ago he was a questioning youth, trying to findhimself and, after coming out to his parents, considered suicide.

Because of the support and encouragement of many friends, Geo is with ustoday. Recenlty Geo and I started an online magazine (www.gaysofla.com).Geo will be a regular contributor as both a writer and a photographer. Hewill be writing a bi monthly column for gay youth, GEN NOW!

I am proud to support Geo by hosting this birthday celebration and theofficial launch of Miami's newest online magazine for the south Florida GLBTcommunity. I'm pleased to be a party of supporting the Trevor Project. Ihope you'll join us.

To view a a dedication video that some friends and I put together to honorGeo and to leave him birthday comments, please click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?=1xbWYxQDZHM



=

The following 5 links were forwarded from
Gay and Lesbian SmartBrief
http://www.smartbrief.com/lgbt/index.jsp?email=rays.list@comcast.net

-

New York Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/bronx/2007/08/21/2007-08-21_still_a_hidden_demographic.html

Bronx gay youth remain on the "down low"
Fearing they will be targeted because of their sexual orientation, many LGBTyouth in the Bronx choose not to come out. "It is a hidden demographichere," said Zachariah Hennessey, a program director at the Bronx CommunityPride Center. "[Homosexuality] is very much on the down low." New York DailyNews (8/21)

-

BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/6952157.stm

No movement on rights, despite Uganda group's plea
Uganda is refusing a call to make homosexuality legal and offer equal rightsto gays and lesbians from the group Sexual Minorities Groups in Uganda,whose members wore masks at their first press conference to protect theiridentities. Saying homosexuality was "unnatural," Ethics Minister JamesNsaba Buturo said the group's charges of police brutality and rightsviolations were untrue. BBC (8/17)

-

The Guardian - London
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/james_kirchick/2007/08/southafricas_gay_betrayal.html

South Africa, away from home, turns back on gay rights
South Africa apparently has prioritized its link with antiwestern Sudan,Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in votes against two gay organizations receivingUnited Nations accreditation over its gay-friendly constitution and laws,according to columnist James Kirchick. The Guardian (London) (8/21)

-

David Mixner
http://www.davidmixner.com/2007/08/evan-wolfson-ma.html

How marriage rights can help win White House
Freedom to Marry leader Evan Wolfson chats with political strategist DavidMixner about why he believes a pro-marriage rights candidate can win theWhite House in 2008 and other related marriage topics. Read more atDavidMixner.com.

-

The Philadelphia Inquirer
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/20070819_The_American_Debate___Democrats_toil_over_gay_unions.html

Are Democrats too worried about marriage?

Although gay people -- and related issues -- have found wider mainstreamacceptance in recent years, Democrat presidential candidates are probablyright to steer clear of the marriage issue for fear of being branded as tooliberal by Republican opponents, according to political columnist DickPolman. "Democrats in particular are cautious by nature, skittish aboutcrusading for more social change than people are willing to tolerate, andfearful of being caricatured as decadent lefties," he writes. ThePhiladelphia Inquirer (8/19)



=

August 2007

Euro-Letter is published by ILGA-Europe - the European Region of theInternational Lesbian and Gay Association with support from the European Community - TheEuropean Union against Discrimination.

Editor:
Juris Lavrikovs

Contact us:
euroletter@ilga-europe.org

Subscribe to Euro-Letter:
simply send an empty message to euroletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com


=

The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/21/AR2007082100935.html

Ugandans Hold Anti-Gay Demonstration
By KATY POWNALL
The Associated Press
Tuesday, August 21, 2007; 1:01 PM

KAMPALA, Uganda -- Hundreds of people held an anti-gay protest in Uganda'scapital Tuesday, denouncing what they called an "immoral" lifestyle anddemanding the deportation of an American journalist writing about gay rightsin the deeply conservative country.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda, like in most African states, and carriesa maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Tuesday's demonstration was thelatest in a series of showdowns between religious conservatives and a small,but growing gay rights movement across the continent.



=

FloridaToday.com

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070822/NEWS01/708220371/1006

Apologetic Allen disputes allegations of racism
Embattled representative addresses NAACP branch
BY JESSICA RAYNOR
FLORIDA TODAY

Rep. Bob Allen said that since his arrest last month on a charge ofsolicitation for prostitution, he's come to understand the civil rightsmovement was about more than the fight for racial equality.

"That was a battle they didn't fight for just people of color," he saidduring a speech Tuesday before about a dozen people at the generalmembership meeting of the North Brevard branch of the National Associationfor the Advancement of Colored People at the Gibson Community Center.

The movement was also, and remains, about judicial fairness and protection,which at this point stymie his ability to address in public the allegationthat he offered to pay $20 to perform oral sex on an undercover Titusvilleofficer he encountered in a park bathroom.

In his second appearance before a Brevard County branch of the NAACP duringthe past 10 days, Allen said in a half-hour speech that he understands"you're guilty until proven innocent" thanks to incessant media coverage.

He said he also understands how those who still fight for civil rights,including members of his audience, might be offended by his words,especially comments he made to police after his July 11 arrest on themisdemeanor charge. According to recordings, Allen spoke of "a pretty stockyblack guy and there's other black guys around in the park that -- you know.. . I'm about to be a statistic here."



=

Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org

http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2007/08/iranian-lesbians-uk-deportation-on-hold.html

Iranian lesbian's UK deportation on hold until Aug 28



=

Sun-Sentinel.com

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbdig082212nbaug22,0,2266461,print.story

Wilton Manors: Gay, lesbian center presents networking event for women
August 22, 2007

A social networking event for women will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.Thursday at E Coleccion, 2033 Wilton Drive.

The event includes complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It is sponsoredby the Aquagirl Foundation, Express Gay News, She Magazine, Crown Wine andSpirits and Galanga Restaurant, and presented by the Gay and LesbianCommunity Center of South Florida. The event is free and open to the public.Call 954-463-9005.



=

MiamiHerald.com

http://www.miamiherald.com/tropical_life/v-print/story/187654.html

Posted on Tue, Jul. 31, 2007
Broward police: Sex in public `not much of a problem'
BY STEVE ROTHAUS

When Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle linked the purchase of new toilets forbeach parks to gay sex in public places, he uncorked a torrent of protest.But just how prevalent is public sex?

No one keeps detailed statistics on sex in public restrooms and parks. SouthFlorida law enforcement agencies say they receive occasional complaints andmake a few arrests, but they don't spend much time cracking down on it. Since 2005, Fort Lauderdale has reported two arrests for sexual activity ina public restroom.

''I don't know whether it's the perception or the reality, but it doesn'tseem like it's that much of a problem,'' Broward Sheriff's Office spokesmanJim Leljedal said.

Miami-Dade Police cracked down on public sex at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40thSt., in August 2001 and made 17 arrests. Police spokesman Juan Villalba saidhe knows of no current sting operations.

NOT ALL ARE GAY

American University anthropology Professor William Leap has spent more thana decade researching male sex in public places. In 1999, he edited anacademic compilation called Public Sex/Gay Space. His conclusion is that upto half of the men who seek this kind of sex are not gay.



=

Advocate.com

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid48312.asp

August 22, 2007
Ugandans call for deportation of American journalist covering gay issues

Hundreds of people held an antigay protest in the Ugandan capital, Kampala,Tuesday and called for the deportation of an American journalist who coversgay issues in the east African nation.

''Homosexuality breaks the laws of God, the laws of nature, and the laws ofUganda,'' said Pastor Martin Ssempa, spokesman for the Interfaith RainbowCoalition Against Homosexuality.

''We are asking the government to be strong and uphold the laws of ourcountry banning this repugnant practice in spite of great externalpressure,'' he said.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and carries a maximum sentence of lifeimprisonment.

A coalition of religious groups, including Christians, Muslims, and Bahai,organized the protest. Hundreds of people gathered at a Kampala sportsground waving banners with antigay messages, including posters that said''Deport Roubos.''



=

Advocate.com

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid48319.asp

August 22, 2007
News stories referencing Griffin's sexuality disappear

When two curiously panicky news outlets scrapped an editorial expressingsadness that entertainer-turned-entrepreneur Merv Griffin remained closeteduntil his death, they inadvertently proved that "gay panic" is alive andwell in Hollywood.

The dustup started last Friday, when The Hollywood Reporter published aneditorial by columnist Ray Richmond decrying the system that required MervGriffin to lead a "stealthy double life" until his death at 82 on August 12.It was the last in a series of complimentary articles by Richmond, who was afriend and former colleague of Griffin's. The piece ran in the print editionas well as Richmond's personal blog, Past Deadline, which is owned by theReporter. It began:

"Merv Griffin was gay. Why should that be so uncomfortable to read? Why isit so difficult to write? Why are we still so jittery even about raising theissue in purportedly liberal-minded Hollywood in 2007?"

Several hours after Reuters picked up the editorial in its normalentertainment feed it pulled the piece, with a disclaimer that it "did notmeet our standards for news."

That same day, radio personality and blogger Michelangelo Signorile told hisradio show listeners that the column had been removed from the HollywoodReporter site and urged them to call its office. Later that day, theReporter did another 180 and restored Richmond's column. Reuters still hasnot restored it.



=

NationalGayNews.com

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flrxjailhiv0821nbaug21,0,3370226.story

Broward, Palm Beach County inmates' HIV care under scrutiny
Defense lawyers, advocates claim anti-viral drugs delayed
By Bob LaMendola
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
August 21, 2007

Some HIV-positive jail inmates in Broward and Palm Beach counties needlesslygo for weeks or even months without getting any HIV/AIDS drugs, defenseattorneys and advocates said. But jail health officials sharply denied thecharge.

Because HIV drugs must be taken like clockwork to control the virus, inmateswho miss repeated doses face greater risks that the drugs will stop working,raising the chance they could spread a hardier virus in and out of jail, HIVspecialists said. The alleged delays also led some inmates to developfull-blown AIDS, attorneys said.

Dr. Ron Shansky, who is on the board of the National Commission onCorrectional Healthcare, which accredits lockups including Broward and PalmBeach, said jails should take only a few days to put HIV-positive inmates onthe drugs they were taking when they were arrested.

"Delaying the delivery of ongoing HIV medication is completelyunacceptable," Shansky said. "If this is occurring on a regular basis, theyneed to fix that."

The elected sheriffs who run jails in both counties have hired Miami companyArmor Correctional Health Services to treat the 120,000 inmates incarceratedeach year - 3 percent of whom have HIV/AIDS. The firm collects $38 million ayear from those contracts.



=

New York

ExpressGayNews.com

http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/bronx/2007/08/21/2007-08-21_still_a_hidden_demographic.html?print=1

Still 'a hidden demographic'
Despite residing in 'gayest place on Earth,' many teens fear harassment
BY GABRIELLE MILNER, ARIELLE NEWTON AND DENISE WONG
Tuesday, August 21st 2007, 4:00 AM
Youths discuss issues at Bronx Community Pride Center.

Children's Pressline

The Bronx is home to a surprising number of lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender high school students, teens say, but they must remain closetedfor fear of harassment.

"The Bronx is the gayest place on Earth," said Mimi, an outspoken young manwho comes to the Bronx Community Pride Center frequently. (He requested thathis name and age be withheld.) He compares his neighborhood of Parkchesterto the gay-friendly West Village. "This is the mini-Village, sweetie.Welcome."

"There is a large population of LGBT people living in the Bronx," saidZachariah Hennessey, a program director at the center, one of the few gayservices organization in the Bronx. "It is a hidden demographic here.[Homosexuality] is very much on the down low."

LGBT youth say that Bronx schools are particularly tough environments. "I'mconsidered, like, a dyke in my school," said 15-year old Angel S., who hasknife scars on her right knee from a fight. A boy "pushed me down a flightof stairs because I liked his girlfriend."

"Y'all don't accept us in public schools," Mimi said. "We need to getprotected more than we are already."



=

ExpressGayNews.com

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3516551.stm

Map: Gay marriage across the US

Gay marriage is one of the most polarising issues in the United States. Herewe outline the state of the law across the country, and look at the oftenintense debates which have surrounded the issue.

Arizona
In November 2006, Arizona voters rejected an amendment to the stateconstitution that would have banned domestic partnership laws as well as gaymarriage.

It became the first state to reject such an amendment. Seven other statesapproved constitutional amendments banning gay marriage on the same day.

Arizona already had an ordinary law banning gay marriage, which remains inforce.

California
California - America's most populous state - has the country's mostcolourful record on gay marriages.

The city of San Francisco started issuing marriage licences to same-sexcouples in February 2004, after the city's new mayor decided to defy statelaw and allow gay weddings.

more....


=

ExpressGayNews.com

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article2303164.ece?print=yes&randnum=1187791798667

August 22, 2007
Big payout for gay lawyer
Frances Gibb

LONDON The world's largest law firm has paid an undisclosed sum to a partnerin London who claimed he suffered discrimination because he is gay.

Michael Bryceland sued Clifford Chance, alleging direct and indirectdiscrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. He brought the claim inNovember but the case was settled before a full hearing and withdrawn inApril.

He left the firm soon after. It is thought to be the first claim of its kindmade against a law firm. The settlement is thought to have cost CliffordChance up to £1 million.



=

365gay.com

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/08/082207canmurd.htm

Charged In 2 Canadian Gay Slayings Man Pleads Not Guilty In NYS Murder
by The Canadian Press
Posted: August 22, 2007 - 6:30 am ET

(Plattsburgh, New York) A Nova Scotia man pleaded not guilty to murdering aman at a remote hunting camp in upper New York state, an American prosecutorsaid Tuesday.

District attorney Andrew Wylie said Glen Race entered pleas on seven counts,including first- and second-degree murder in the death of Darcy Manor ofMooers, N.Y., on May 10.

``He entered a plea of not guilty to each charge,'' Wylie said in aninterview following the brief court hearing. ``Our office asked for Mr. Raceto be remanded without bail. The court granted that application.''

Race is also charged with burglary and grand larceny in connection toseveral of Manor's possessions.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to life without parole.


=


[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

No comments: