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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Boy's Killing, Labeled a Hate Crime, Stuns a Town
OXNARD, Calif. - Hundreds of mourners gathered at a church here on Friday toremember an eighth-grade boy who was shot to death inside a junior highschool computer lab by a fellow student in what prosecutors are calling ahate crime.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/23/us/23oxnard.html?scp=8&sq=GAY&st=nyt
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Prosecutors Say Craig Plea Should Stand
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Prosecutors argued Friday that Sen. Larry Craig's appealmisinterprets the disorderly conduct law and his guilty plea in a bathroomsex sting should stand. The Idaho Republican asked the Minnesota Court ofAppeals last month to let him withdraw his guilty plea. His lawyers claimthe state's disorderly conduct law would apply only if witnesses other thanthe police officer who arrested Craig had been present.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Craig-Appeal.html?scp=14&sq=GAY&st=nyt
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Commission Report Cites Flaws in New Jersey Civil Union Law
New Jersey's civil union law "creates a second-class status" for same-sexcouples and is particularly vexing for people in the military, transgenderpeople, the poor and minorities, according to a report issued on Tuesday bya commission set up to review the law.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/nyregion/20union.html?scp=26&sq=GAY&st=nyt
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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"I'm not a social scientist."
Texas Gov. Rick Perry's first book is a defense of what he calls thetraditional values of the Boy Scouts. In "On My Honor," the Republicangovernor writes about legal attempts to force the organization to acceptgays and atheists into its ranks. He paints the Scouts as a bulwark against"nihilism" and "moral relativism" in the nation's "culture war."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202334.html
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How Would Jesus Vote?
As an evangelical who worked in Democratic politics before enteringjournalism, I'm used to getting looks from liberals who are embarrassed forme when I use the E-word to describe myself. Confusion flickers across theirfaces as they instantly reassess my political leanings and intelligence.
People who have known me for years start asking whether I watch Fox News andbrace for spontaneous proselytizing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202386.html
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Let's Leave 'Marriage' at the Altar
The bill in the Maryland General Assembly that would eliminate the term"marriage" for all and replace it with domestic partnership deserves seriousconsideration ["Bill Would End Civil Marriage, Create DomesticPartnerships," Metro, Feb. 5]. More than semantics are at stake. Marriagehas a long history of exclusion: slaves, interracial couples and same-sexcouples have been denied it. For centuries, marriage eliminated a woman'sseparate legal identity, subjugated her to her husband, and determinedwhether her children were full citizens or "illegitimate." Many peopleconsider marriage to be moored to religious doctrine, so Sen. Jamie B.Raskin's argument for turning it into a solely religious institution issound.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202201.html
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I Voted for Obama. Will I Go Straight to. . . ?
Like most Maryland Democrats, I voted for Sen. Barack Obama in the recentPotomac Primary. By doing so, according to the leaders of my church, I putmy soul at risk. That's right, says the U.S. Conference of CatholicBishops -- tap the touch screen for a pro-abortion-rights candidate, andyou're probably punching your ticket to Hell.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202380.html
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Tax Savings for Domestic Partners
In the be-careful-what-you-ask-for realm, many gay and lesbian couplesaround the country may be kicking themselves for th eir efforts to win theright to file joint state income tax returns with their partners.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022200917.html
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Cindy McCain, Like Others, Stands by Man
TOLEDO, Ohio -- Cindy McCain did not hesitate as she stepped toward themicrophone, taking her place in the history of political wives who stood bytheir men in the face of rumored or alleged marital infidelity.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022200257.html
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Most Internet Sex Offenders Target Teens, Not Kids
FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- The stereotype of the middle-aged malesex offender posing online as a young person to trick adolescents intoclandestine meetings where they can be abducted and raped is inaccurate, anew study finds.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202189.html
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Gay teen shot dead while dressed as woman in Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE - The shooting death of a gay teenage boy who was dressed inwomen's clothing is being investigated as a possible hate crime, whiledetectives try to determine whether he was targeted because of his sexualorientation.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbteenmurder0223sbfeb23,0,6177964.story
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Nature, not religion, determines the need to bar gay marriage
The Feb. 6 letter, "Not allowing gay marriage a First Amendment violation,"stated that banning gay marriage is discriminatory and that this prohibitionis solely due to certain religious beliefs.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-brmail835pnfeb23,0,3641472.story
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Why shouldn't gay couples have same benefits as those who marry?
My partner and I have been together for 32 years. We have been in acommitted, monogamous relationship. Over those years, we have acquiredsubstantial assets together. As it stands now, we are not entitled to thesame benefits as a married couple, even though we have been together longerthan most legally married couples in this state. Marriage is a legal contract, not religious.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-brmail756pnfeb23,0,4690050.story
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Cuba's new openness: People talking publicly about economy, personalexpression
It felt like a different country. Back in Cuba after eight months away, Ifound the mood had changed to a new openness. People were saying publiclywhat they'd only whispered privately before. And many urged far-reachingsolutions to daily problems beyond former, tepid calls for adding chicken totheir food rations or boosting bus service.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cuba/sfl-flzreportersnotebook0221sbfeb21,0,5572099.story
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Memorial to honor gay victims of hate
Scott Hall didn't think much about gay rights, even after a stranger crackedhim across the head with a baseball bat 25 years ago outside a gay bar inMelbourne. ''When I was attacked, I felt there was nothing I could doabout it,'' said Hall, now 43. ``The concept of people thinking that I wasgay was more frightening than me having my head smashed in.''
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/02/honoring-gay-vi.html
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Reader e-mail: 15-year-old slaying victim "was a queer, now he paid theprice for it''
I received this e-mail today about Lawrence King, the 15-year-old gay boyshot to death in school by a classmate two weeks ago in California: A 15 yrold kid wearing make up and wanting to be gay DOES NOT constitute being ahero. Like his life, his death is unremarkable considering all the otherheroes in this world who have died. He was a queer, now he paid the pricefor it. Maybe in the next life, he will reconsider his actions. Jeff
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/02/reader-e-mail-1.html
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Gay festival is fun -- but hosts mean business
Winter Party is a day at the beach, but National Gay and Lesbian Task Forceorganizers want everyone to know that the big, weeklong festival has aserious side, too.
http://www.miamiherald.com/293/story/427158.html
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Stonewall.org
UK - A clear, bold message is being sent out by Stonewall over the next fortnight in a nationwide billboard campaign: 'Some people are gay. Get over it!' Six hundred billboard panels will depict this legend in giant, tabloid-style capital letters, on a bright red background at sights in England, Scotland and Wales. The billboard advertising panels, kindly donated by Titan Outdoor Advertising Ltd, continue Stonewall's simple, striking poster campaign which began in schools in November 2007.
http://www.stonewall.org.uk/education_for_all/news/current_news/2043.asp
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Lawrence King murder shows need for anti-bullying training Gay 15-year-oldwas victim of unsafe school environment
By BRUCE PRESLEY
I have been involved in education for more than 40 years. For the past 10years, I have helped Safe Schools South Florida (formerly GLSEN SouthFlorida) achieve its objectives of making schools safer for all children -especially those who identify as, or are perceived to be, gay, lesbian,bisexual or transgendered. During the past year, I have joined the board ofa new organization, Gay American Heroes.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/2-21/view/editorial/4436.cfm
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John McCain the McMaverick?
He may buck the party on some issues, but gays should find no solace in theArizona senator I understand why the gals on "Grey's Anatomy" call Patrick Dempsey McDreamy,and I certainly get why Eric Dane is McSteamy, but I don't reallyunderstand why John McCain is so attractive as the "McMaverick Republican"to GOP moderates, especially if they are gay.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/2-21/view/columns/4445.cfm
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Friend & Foe
Safe Schools South Florida & Edgar B. Hatrick III
FRIEND OF THE WEEK
Safe Schools South Florida - Advocacy Group
If anyone should have any doubts about why young students needGLBT-inclusive diversity programs in schools, then they should think about15-year-old Lawrence King. King, an openly gay eighth-grader, was fatallyshot in the head Feb. 13 by a 14-year-old classmate during first periodEnglish class. We can't think of clearer reason to demand that teachers betrained in preventing bullying in schools, including anti-gay bullying. SafeSchools South Florida, led by the stalwart teacher and activist RobertLoupo, has been on the forefront of teaching young people about toleranceand pushing for a state law to mandate anti-bullying programs in theschools. The organization's board chairman, Bruce Presley, penned aneditorial this week about the lessons learned from young King's tragicdeath.
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FOE OF THE WEEK
Edgar B. Hatrick III - Superintendent of Public SchoolsLoudoun County, Va.
Hatrick is a shining example of a person who caves in to the slightest bitof controversy. The superintendent ruled this month to remove the children'sbook "Two Guys and a Chick" from elementary school libraries. The book isabout two male penguins raising a baby penguin, something that actuallyhappens in nature. Hatrick decided to ban the book after receiving just onecomplaint that the book promoted a gay agenda. This guy is for the birds!
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/2-21/view/friendfoe/4437.cfm
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Same-sex measure clears hurdles
Ariz. could see measure on ballot in Nov.
A proposed ballot measure to impose a constitutional ban on same-sexmarriage is advancing at the Legislature.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=16766
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Md. trans rights law in jeopardy
Petition puts new rules on hold
A new law barring discrimination against transgender people in MontgomeryCounty, Md., is in jeopardy, after a group opposed to the measure submitteda petition that could force a referendum on the issue.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=16763
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Activists seek reconciliation, renewed push for ENDA
But some urge celebrities to boycott HRC dinner in New York
Leaders of a newly formed coalition of nearly 400 gay and transgenderadvocacy groups that criticized Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)and gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last fall have vowed to redouble effortsto help pass a trans-inclusive gay rights bill.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=16759
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Florida: Ida Baker alliance fights for gay rights
Gay Straight Alliances are student-led and student-organized school clubsthat aim to create a safe, welcoming and accepting school environment forall youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
More than likely, high school students have heard these expressions in classor the hallways: "That's so gay." "You're so gay."It's usually another wayof saying, "that's so stupid," or "you're worthless." Often, the personhearing a statement like that lets it go, not wanting to get hurt or furtherteased. Bystanders usually do not get involved.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080222/NEWS0101/80222032/1006/NEWS0104
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Tucson: Unmarried couples to get benefits
City agrees to cover heterosexual partners despite budget ills
Despite the city's budget crunch, the City Council unanimously approveddomestic partner benefits for heterosexual couples on Wednesday - matchingthe benefits for same-sex couples that was approved in 1997. Severalcouncil members said the move was simply the right thing to do to be fair toall employees.
Councilman Steve Leal said, "Principles matter a lot. It's about doing the
right thing."
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/fromcomments/226181.php
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Pennsylvania:
Welch to preside at same-sex ceremony
State College Mayor Bill Welch, in what may be a first for public officialsin Centre County, has agreed to preside at a same-sex commitment ceremony.
http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/story/419207.html
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Candlelight vigils for Lawrence King
Services to remember Lawrence King, the gay teen who was tragically killedin Oxnard, California this month, are happening all over the country. In ourWashington Blade locale, GLSEN will be hosting a candlelight vigil in DupontCircle at 6:30 p.m on Monday, Feb. 25. Co-sponsors include SMYAL, Allied inPride at George Washington University, D.C. Trans Coalition, Alliance forJustice, NGLTF, The Mayor's Office of GLBT Affairs and Gender Pac. I'll bethere, and so should all of you.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=2/22/08&end=2/24/08#16788
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GLSEN responds to John Cloud's article
GLSEN media relations manager Daryl Presgraves provided me with theorganization's research director's analysis of John Cloud's use of theirstatistics in his article for Time Magazine, 'Prosecuting the gay teenmurder.' Joe Kosciw's comments are bolded within the article, pasted below:
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=2/20/08&end=2/24/08#16739
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And the Delusion Begins.
Chris Crain, former editor of the Washington Blade (and I must add, agenerally reasonable voice) wrote a column recently saying that "gays shouldfind no solace" in Sen. John McCain. He also questions Log Cabin's take onMitt Romney's candidacy and says "Log Cabin can't be too happy with McCain."
While we haven't endorsed McCain for president, some items in his postdeserve a response. Chris really misses the boat with this column.
http://www.blogcabin.net/?p=119
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Transwomen of Color Testify to the UN on Racism in the U.S.
Right now, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination(CERD) is meeting in Switzerland -- and two Bay Area activists are there toadvocate for the rights of transwomen of color in the U.S.
http://www.bilerico.com/2008/02/transwomen_of_color_testify_to_the_un_on.php
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Media Sacrifice the Nuances of Our Reality for the Sake of Ratings
Here we go again -- it's February, and Sweeps is upon us. Four times a year,television networks figure out their local advertising rates based onratings, which means our TVs are filled with celebrity guest stars, big plottwists and high profile investigative news reports. Regrettably, too oftenthese "investigative news" reports are compilations of sensational andpoorly researched anecdotes that distort the real lives and issues affectingour communities. Media have a responsibility to report on newsworthy topicsin a fair, accurate and inclusive manner without turning to sensationalismfor the sake of ratings.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rashad-robinson/media-sacrifice-the-nuanc_b_87834.html
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Jamaican anti-gay violence gaining worldwide attention
State Department responds after protest at consulate in Miami
Increasing acts of violence and repressive anti-sodomy laws continue to makelife difficult and dangerous for gay men and lesbians in Jamaica. But theplight of the island's gay population has recently been receiving moreattention from the international community, including the U.S. StateDepartment.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/2-21/news/localnews/4428.cfm
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Gay couples hold 'Demonstration of Love' in W. Palm
Valentine's Day event includes 11th-century commitment serviceAbout 40 people, most of them couples, gathered at the historic HibiscusHouse in downtown West Palm Beach at 6 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Theoccasion was advertised as "A Demonstration of Love" and was sponsored byEquality Florida and Fairness for All Families.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/2-21/news/localnews/4429.cfm
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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McCain Sees Obama As Most Likely Foe
(Columbus, Ohio) His nomination assured, John McCain got an early jump onthe general election this week with a swing through Midwestern states likelyto be pivotal in the fall and a fresh line of criticism against BarackObama.
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Poaching Health Care Workers Should Be Crime AIDS Groups Say
(Toronto, Ontario) The poaching of doctors, nurses and pharmacists fromsub-Saharan Africa by developed countries ought to be viewed as aninternational crime, a group of public health researchers from Canada andother countries argue in a leading medical journal.
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LGBT Center Wins Tax Fight With City
(Kingston, New York) The Hudson Valley LGBT Community Center has settled itslawsuit against the City of Kingston over the Center's property taxexemption.
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Dying Lesbian's Partner Denied Access To Her
(Miami, Florida) Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond had planned to take theirthree children on a family cruise. The Olympia, Washington couple had beentogether 18 years and with their children were looking forward to theholiday.
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Discrimination Case By Former LA COP Moves Forward
(Los Angeles, California) A woman who claims she was fired by the LosAngeles Police Department because she is a lesbian will be allowed to moreforward with a discrimination suit a judge has ruled.
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Is Nader Planning New Indie Run?
(Washington) Ralph Nader could be poised for another third partypresidential campaign.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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National Efforts to Prevent HIV/AIDS Among Gays
Authorities are working on China's first national program to curb the spreadof HIV/AIDS among gay men, the Ministry of Health said in its 2008 workagenda released Wednesday. The program aims to strengthen measures toprevent and control the deadly disease among the homosexual community, WangWeizhen, deputy director of the HIV/AIDS prevention department under theministry's disease control bureau, told
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Lawrence King and The Sad Death of a Young Gay Man By Norm Kent
This past week www.NationalGayNews.com has been runningarticles on the sad and tragic murder of 15 year old Lawrence King inOxnard, California, thousands of miles from the shores of South Florida. Asthe news of his killing unfolded, we learned that the alleged assailant washimself only a 14 year old classmate. But we also discovered that theaccused killer, Brandon McInerney, may have murdered Lawrence because he hasan obsessive hatred of matters and things homosexual. Prosecutors aresuggesting the same, informing the media that the child accused of thekilling will likely be charged as an adult with an anti-gay hate crime.
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Montreal: Gay Village Project Worries Residents
City officials and merchants painted a bright picture of a bustlingpedestrian mall planned for six weeks on Ste. Catherine St. E. thissummer. Area residents, however who live on streets adjoining the GayVillage, said it would be hell when the street is closed to traffic fromBerri to Papineau Sts. from June 20 to Sept. 2.
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South Africa Unveils Hike in AIDS Funding
South Africa's finance minister said Wednesday the government will spendmore than a quarter of a billion dollars over the next three years to doublethe number of people receiving AIDS medication.
Trevor Manuel, presenting his ministry's budget, said South Africa wouldspend an additional $274 million by 2011 to allow an extra half-millionpeople with the AIDS virus to access antiretroviral treatment. That wouldbring the nation's total of HIV-positive people with access to treatment toabout 900,000.
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Group to Push For School Gay Poll
A national organization fighting for gay and lesbian rights intends toappeal a decision by Catholic trustees to ban them asking Toronto studentsabout homophobia. The issue of non-heterosexual kids dropping out of schooldue to harassment will never be resolved "unless we face it," Helen Kennedy,executive director of EGALE Canada, said.
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Gay/Lesbian Center Gets Tax Exemption in Settlement With City
The Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center, which serves the local gay andlesbian community, has secured tax-exempt status for most of its Wall Streetbuilding under a settlement with the city.Only an apartment upstairs will betaxed under the deal, which was reached after LGBTQ filed a lawsuit againstthe city that alleged the denial of tax-exempt status amounted todiscrimination.
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Down to the Wire
Felicia Pearson wasn't an actress when she first joined the cast of HBO's"The Wire," but on a show known for gripping narratives about street lifeand textured portrayals of complicated characters, Pearson fit right in.
The 24-year old lesbian with a diminutive stature and diehard attitude wassuch a spot-on match for the acclaimed TV series that "The Wire" producersdecided to cast Pearson to play a character remarkably similar to herself.They even named the character "Snoop," after Pearson's real-life moniker.
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Malta's Gay Group Ask For Equal Rights
The gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities in the tiny EU nation ofMalta have presented a petition asking for a range of measures to beintroduced to protect them through the law, and have received the backing ofa fringe political party. Alternattiva Demokratika leader Harry Vassallosaid yesterday that the recognition of gay rights would be a step forward,according to the Times of Malta.
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Fans Protest Discrimination on As The World Turns
Fans of AS THE WORLD TURNS have launched a campaign against the U.S. soapopera, claiming the producers portray a pair of gay lovers differently thanheterosexual couples on the show. In a recent Valentine's Day (14Feb08)episode of the show, gay couple Luke and Noah were the only two characterswho didn't kiss - prompting fans to protest the restriction on physicalcontact between the pair, who have only been showed hugging since they gottogether last September (07).
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Superdelegates Start to Break Toward Obama
The Democratic superdelegates are starting to follow the voters -- straightto Barack Obama. In just the past two weeks, more than two dozen of themhave climbed aboard his presidential campaign, according to a survey by theAssociated Press.
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So long, partner
In his short life, Heath Ledger barely had time to tap his potential. Butfor us, he had already achieved the performance of a lifetime-and losing himso soon after Brokeback Mountain is like suffering a death in the family.
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Episcopal Church Suffers Sharpest Decline in Membership
Most of the United States' 25 largest church bodies either lost members orexperienced no growth in the past year, according to a 2008 yearbookproduced by the National Council of Churches. The Episcopal Church, lockedin a conflict over the Bible and homosexuality, suffered the steepestdecline, reporting a more than 4% drop to slightly fewer than 2.2 millionmembers. Another mainline Protestant group, the 3 million-memberPresbyterian Church (USA), facing similar divisions, suffered a 2.4%membership decrease.
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Her Back Against the Wall, Clinton Chooses Graciousness Over Criticism
Hillary Clinton, the front-runner in the Democratic presidential race nomore, sought to bury rival Barack Obama but also to praise him in theirlatest campaign debate and revive her own White House hopes in the process.
''No matter what happens in this contest -- and I am honored, I am honoredto be here with Barack Obama,'' she said at the conclusion of the 90-minuteforum in Austin. ''Whatever happens, we're going to be fine.'' It was anunexpectedly gracious moment in a debate that was supposed to be a gamechanger for Clinton in the run-up to crucial primaries in Texas and OhioMarch 4.
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Looking for a Little Moderation
As the epic battle for the Democratic nomination grows ever nastier, averagevoters have a role to play in holding the party together. .... As thecountry remains fixated on the race between Sens. Barack Obama and HillaryClinton and their race to the end goal of 2,025 delegates - which willundeniably consist of both "pledged delegates" allocated by state votes andthe Democratic party officials known as "superdelegates" - both the Clintonand Obama camps have mounted an unprecedented campaign with the press, thepublic, and party leaders.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Monroe County's asking the New York State Court of Appeals to look at theruling of the State Supreme Court that recognized same-sex marriages fromother states. As I reported earlier this month, the Supreme Court's rulingwas 5-0 in favor of Pat Martinez who was suing MCC because they wouldn't addher wife (Lisa Ann Golden) to her MCC insurance plan. Monroe CountyExecutive Maggie Brooks says this appeal is necessary because she sees twostate laws out there right now. One that states marriage in New York isdefined as being between a man and a woman only, and another that's beencreated by the Supreme Court's ruling in Martinez v. Monroe County -essentially saying valid marriages in other states and countries are validhere.
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A Virginia gay Democratic club is crying foul over Equality Virginia'sdecision to give a public service award to a retired Republican statelawmaker. Equality Virginia, a bipartisan gay activist group, announcedplans to honor former state Del. Vince Callahan at the organization's annualdinner April 5. Callahan represented McLean from 1967 to 2007 and thenretired.
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Hypocrite of the Week: Marriage opponent John Tomicki
In the never ending battle over gay marriage, New Jersey's chief opponent ofsame-sex marriage may fight like hell to make sure gay couples never earnthe right to say 'I do', but he also acknowledges that gay marriage has noeffect on his marriage. When Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden StateEquality, approached John Tomicki of the New Jersey Coalition to Preserveand Protect Marriage with a question about gay marriage, all ears were onthe exchange. Here's what transpired. Goldstein: "You're still married after50 years, right? So my marriage has not affected your marriage."
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In May 2004, as Massachusetts became the first state in the country tolegalize gay marriage, more than 1,000 gay and lesbian couples streamed intocity and town halls. "One small kiss for us, one giant kiss for mankind,"said an ecstatic Erin Golden as she locked lips with her partner of 25years, Eileen Counihan, on the steps of Provincetown Town Hall. It wassupposed to be a whole new era, as celebrations accompanied the adoption ofcivil union and domestic partnership laws in several states. But a funnything happened on the way to the altar: Gay couples decided they might notwant to get married after all.
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans activists, decision makers and experts willattend a conference in Slovenia next month which aims to draw attention tothe to the lack of recognition and existing discrimination LGBT familiesface in Europe. At present only three of the 27 EU member states legallyrecognise same-sex marriage, six allow equivalent civil registration schemesand a further seven have schemes which provide considerably less rights andprotections than marriage.
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Longtime Canadian LGBT civil rights activist Rev. Brent Hawkes will beinvested Friday into the Order of Canada by the Queen's representative. TheOrder of Canada is the country's highest civilian honor. Created in 1967,it recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to communityand service to the nation. Over the last 40 years,more than 5,000 peoplefrom all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.
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Utah: A bill intended to extend parental rights to stepparents who raisechildren is stalled in the Senate by concerns it could give similar rightsto gay people. "This bill is one of the worst of the 2008 session and mustbe killed," Frank Mylar, an attorney and conservative activist, wrote in ane-mail to senators this week. Mylar said the legislation would "gut" theUtah Supreme Court's ruling last year in a same-sex custody battle betweenCheryl Barlow and her former domestic partner, Keri Jones. The court ruledthat, because Jones had no biological relationship with the child, underUtah law she had no parental visitation rights.
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A coalition of groups supporting same-sex marriage is asking for volunteersto help defeat an effort to make same-sex marriage unconstitutional inCalifornia. Equality for All, a coalition of LGBT and allied civil rightsgroups, is launching a "Decline to Sign" campaign to discourage people fromsigning petitions that support putting an anti-gay marriage initiative onthe November ballot.
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The Kansas House today sent back to committee a bill that would repealLawrence's domestic partnership registry. Opponents of the bill sought toplace it in committee, saying it required further study. State Rep. PaulDavis, D-Lawrence, said there were many legal issues surrounding thelegislation that needed to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee.
But the bill's author, state Rep. Lance Kinzer, R-Olathe, said referring thebill back to the Judiciary Committee was a stall tactic to try to kill themeasure.
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This is simply to say that Shakespeare might be right - a rose by any othername actually would smell the same, but no one wants to receive a bigbouquet of rose-weed as a symbol of undying love. And civil unions - evenwhen guaranteed the same status as marriage by law - is not the same thingas marriage. I've been on the record for quite a while as supportingsame-sex marriage equality. I believe it can best be achieved by separatingthe legal aspect of marriage from the spiritual aspects of marriage. Thereis, very simply, no reason to co-mingle these aspects of marriage. But evenas evidence mounts that civil unions are not, in fact, marriages and even asgrassroots advocacy continues to build support for marriage equality, Ibelieve it will be years, not months, before it becomes a reality in NewJersey.
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When Sally Sparks and her partner, Heather Dugas, registered as domesticpartners at the Multnomah County Building the day the new state law tookeffect on February 4, Sparks was overdue with their second child.
"It was a good feeling that [the law] went through and we were going to walkinto the hospital as domestic partners," Sparks says. When their son wasborn on February 10, Sparks and Dugas made sure to bring their certificateof domestic partnership to the hospital, just in case. "It had only beenimplemented for a week at the time," Dugas says. Sparks adds: "I was holdingmy breath to see if it would be as smooth as it was supposed to be."
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A House Democratic leader said he will not force a vote on a constitutional mendment banning same-sex marriage in Indiana despite lawmakers' efforts to encourage him to change his mind. Lawmakers backing the constitutional amendment revealed a petition Tuesday that was signed by 55 House members, including seven Democrats. The message to House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, was simple: Allow all 100 representatives in the House to vote on the legislation.
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Vermont: The Legislature is once again examining the issue of same-sexmarriage. In doing so, it should consider the truly fundamental question,"Why do people get married?" The answer is not so simple, being comprised ofmultiple, complex parts. One part is usually stated in terms of love, honor,respect, mutual support, commitment and so forth. But that answer,describing only a relationship, is not enough. It describes "marriage" onlyin the metaphysical sense understood when we contemplate the bonding of twopersons. It explains only why one person decides to make an enduring,unreserved and loving commitment to one special other person.
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Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrier
http://www.smartbrief.com/index.jsp
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Project to seek LGBT appointees for next administration
The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute has started the PresidentialAppointments Project, a nonpartisan initiative aimed at identifying,recruiting and vetting LGBT professionals for potential politicalappointments in the next presidential administration. The LeadershipInstitute is partnering with LGBT organizations including the Human RightsCampaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National BlackJustice Coalition and the Stonewall Democrats in the effort. "The nextadministration must know that we are concerned about being included,determined to contribute our talents, skills and insights, and eager toparticipate in the hard work of governing our country," said AmbassadorJames C. Hormel, the first openly gay U.S. ambassador. The Miami Herald(2/20)
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Connecticut assemblyman comes out
The National Black Justice Coalition has hailed Connecticut state Rep. JasonW. Bartlett as the first openly gay African-American legislator in the U.S.Bartlett, a freshman lawmaker and co-chairman of Hillary Clinton'spresidential campaign in Connecticut, said he had never misled voters abouthis sexual orientation and always supported gay rights, including marriage.
The Hartford Courant (Conn.) (2/20)
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Victory's Champagne Brunch is a spring tradition
The 8th annual Victory Fund Champagne Brunch marks the start of spring inWashington, D.C. Join us and special guest Rep. Tammy Baldwin at thehistoric Mayflower Hotel on Sunday, April 6th at 11am. To become a sponsoror table captain, or simply to purchase your own tickets, go here right now.
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Editorial: Maryland AG takes "honest, brave stance"
Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler has publicly backed full marriagerights for all Marylanders, a stance that many other state Democrats do notshare. "Dismantling this final barrier to full citizenship for gay andlesbian citizens is a moral imperative and a logical, historicalinevitability," said Gansler, considered a rising star among MarylandDemocrats. Washington Blade (2/22)
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Commentary: Full marriage rights make moral, economic sense
Baltimore Sun business columnist Jay Hancock urges Maryland to extend fullmarriage rights to all its citizens, both because it's the right thing to doand because it provides a path to economic prosperity. Hancock notes thatBaltimore's future as a high-tech hub requires an atmosphere of openness andinclusiveness that will attract young, intelligent, creative professionals.
The Sun (Baltimore) (free registration) (2/20)
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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LGBT Community Sweep Up Theatre Awards
The LGBT community has swept up major prizes at the annual whatsonstage.comawards - the only theatre awards decided by the public. Hairspray, whichfeatures male actor Michael Ball in the lead female role, won seven awards -including best new musical, best director and best actress in a musical.
Michael Ball won the best actor in a musical award for his portrayal of EdnaTurnblad. Gay activist Sir Ian McKellen snatched the best actor award forhis performance in King Lear and the Old Vic's version of Almodovar's AllAbout My Mother - whose plot deals with transvestites and maleprostitution - took the award for best new play.
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Irish Poet Under Fire For 'Sexual Grooming'
The famous Irish poet, Cathal O Searcaigh a staple of second level schoolsyllabuses - has been accused of the "sexual exploitation and grooming" of16 year old Nepalese boys who he befriended and assisted financially intheir education. Allegations about the poet's relationship with the youngboys surfaced after the screening of Fairytale of Kathmandu, a documentaryon Mr Searcaigh's charitable work in Nepal made by a former friend of his.
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China Launches First HIV Prevention Programme for Gay Men
China's Ministry of Health is set to implement its first ever nationalprogramme to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among gay men, its 2008 work agendarevealed yesterday. The programme marks a subtle new phase in theone-party-state's attitudes towards homosexuality, which - while not overtlydiscriminatory - have followed the 'Three nos' criteria since sodomy wasdecriminalised in 1997: No approval, no disapproval and no promotion. WangWeizhen, deputy director of the government's HIV/AIDS prevention department,told China Daily: "By learning more about gay people, we can better protectthem against this incurable disease.
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Gays and Lesbians 'Have Less Life Insurance'
Gays and lesbians are far less likely to take out life insurance than theirheterosexual counterparts, a new study has shown. The study of 2,514 USadults found 49 percent of gay and lesbians had no life insurance, comparedto just 32 percent of heterosexuals. They are also considerably less likelyto have homeowners' or renters' insurance, with only 59 percent of gays andlesbians buying it compared to 70 percent of heterosexuals.
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Australia Debates Same Sex Marriage
Greens senator Kerry Nettle has introduced a marriage equality bill to theAustralian parliament calling for recognition of overseas same-sex marriagesand the ability to allow local ones. Her party leader, Bob Brown, has unitedwith Liberal Australia Capital Territory (ACT) senator Gary Humphries tocondemn the new government's attitudes to the Territorial Government's civilpartnerships legislation.
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Cry for Help from Refugee Sheds Light on Desperation of Gays in Iran
A poignant plea for help from a gay Iranian refugee in Malaysia is sheddinglight on the desperation and fear experienced by homosexuals in Iran andthose who have fled their home country to seek refugee status in othercountries. The letter, penned by a young gay man calling himself Sepehr,contains a heartbreaking tale of life as a homosexual in Iran and thesuffering caused by the necessity of fleeing to another land to escapepersecution and possible death. The cry for help from another gay Iranianrefugee echoes the plight of other gays & lesbians who remain trapped inIran under threat of death because of their sexual orientation-as well asthe fear and desperation faced by Iranian refugees attempting to escape fromthe country's harsh anti-gay regime.
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US Big Brother Housemate's Gay Porn Past Revealed
America's Big Brother 9: Till Death Do Us Part has only been on air a fewweeks, but already the hope for the first ever gay "showmance" seems to havebeen dashed. Sexy Neil Garcia was forced to leave the show-and his partnerJoshuah Welch because of still unnamed personal reasons outside of thehouse. However, there may still be a possibility of a gay hook up on theshow, as it was recently revealed house mate James Zinkand is an ex-stripperwho has appeared in several gay adult videos.
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HIV+ gay men at "increased risk" from smoking diseases
HIV positive gay men are more likely to suffer from a variety of smokingrelated illnesses than HIV negative smokers, a gay health charity hasclaimed. Gay Men Fighting AIDS (GMFA) said: "evidence for this has beengrowing over the last few years, and these increased risks often havenothing to do with a weakened immune system." The group points to anincrease in the number of cases of 'non-AIDS defining cancers' among peoplewho are living with the virus.
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DUP minister's gay rugby comments "nasty and spiteful"
A Northern Ireland minister responsible for sport has been accused ofplaying party politics with his recent attack on a gay rugby team. EdwinPoots said earlier this week that he "cannot fathom" why such a team innecessary and said it was a form of "apartheid."
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Gays holding hands on TV upset Irish viewers
The provocative sight of two men holding hands while explaining why theyfavour same-sex marriage over civil partnerships triggered a flood ofcomplaints to an Irish broadcaster yesterday. "Switchboards at TV3 werejammed with irate callers when Mark McCarron and Paul Kenny became the firstmale couple to display their affections on the Irish airwaves," reports theIrish Daily Mirror. The couple were appearing on the commercial network'spopular breakfast show Ireland AM.
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Lesbian may run for mayor of New York City
A recent speech by Christine Quinn, the Speaker of New York City's council,has sparked rumours that she may run for Mayor. Ms Quinn, a Democrat, is oneof the most prominent lesbian politicians in America. In her State of theCity address earlier this month she said: "I want every New Yorker to hearme when I say: We are ready." Various commentators have interpreted this tobe a clear signal she intends to run for Mayor of the city.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
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Video: I Have Two Fathers
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=26B1frDUxVU
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Organizers of Moscow gay pride parade claim 1 million euros for their sufferings Organizers of the Moscow gay pride parade sent their second complaint against Russia to the European Court of Human Rights last week, claiming the compensation of one million euros. "I am absolutely certain of our final victory in Strasburg. The Russian authorities arbitrarily deprived us of the right guaranteed by both the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the European Convention (on Human Rights)," Nikolai Alexeyev, an organizer told Interfax.
http://english.pravda.ru/russia/history/104122-gay_pride_parade-0
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Russia's Orthodox Church, despite decades of brutal repression under Sovietrule, is putting its trust in the KGB to ensure that a remarkable religiousrevival does not fade with the departure of President Vladimir Putin.
In an unusual move, Alexei II, the Church's patriarch, has endorsed deputyprime minister Dmitry Medvedev ahead of next week's presidential election.
The influence of his support on Russia's estimated 100 million Orthodoxworshippers is immense.
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/wrussia123.xml
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Moscow's Immigrants Face Wave of Skinhead Violence
In response to a wave of recent skinhead attacks on non-Slavs in Moscow,city government officials sat down with representatives of ethnic diasporason Monday for a tense meeting during which leaders from the Azeri, Kygyz andother communities accused law enforcement bodies of harboring sympathy forviolent nationalists and for failing to adequately investigate and prosecutehate crimes In the past year, "50 coffins of those killed in Russia at thehands of nationalists have come home to Azerbaijan," Vremya Novosteireported, citing Soyun Sadykov, the leader of an Azeri cultural organizationin Moscow. Another 30 coffins have gone to Georgia and over 100 havereturned to Central Asian countries like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Mr.Sadykov said.
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Russian Week against Homophobia -
Why?
It's been 15 years since criminal prosecution of male homosexuality wasfinally repealed in Russia. For almost a decade same-sex attraction is nolonger considered pathological among mainstream Russian medical specialists.
But still Russian society as a whole embodies strong negative attitudes andintolerance towards men and women of homosexual orientation based onprejudice and misinformation. It leads to widespread violation of humanrights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT), as well as tohate crimes - physical violence based on sexual orientation or genderidentity. Low level of sex education is the ground for promoting fear,hatred and extremely fascist ideas by organizations and public figures ofparticular kind. That's why homophobia is dangerous not only for LGBTthemselves, but for the entire society, where the tendency for suppressingany individuality is being instilled.
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There are few health professionals in the State available to treat peoplediagnosed with gender identity disorder, a symposium in Dublin heardyesterday. Victoria Mullen, who lives in Dublin and who underwent genderreassignment surgery in Thailand, said it should not be too much to ask ofthe Irish medical profession that they provide post-operative care to thosewho underwent such surgery overseas, given that it was not available in theState.She said those diagnosed with gender identity disorder had just onepsychologist and one endocrinologist to care for their needs. It was sad,she said, that no Irish psychiatrist seemed to be taking any real interestin them despite the tendencies towards depression and suicide theircondition could create. She suggested the HSE should ask one of the consultant psychiatrists beingappointed under new contracts to look after their health needs.
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Gay Africans and Arabs come out online
KHARTOUM (Reuters) - When Ali started blogging that he was Sudanese and gay,he did not realize he was joining a band of African and Middle Eastern gaysand lesbians who, in the face of hostility and repression, have come outonline.But within days the messages started coming in toblack-gay-arab.blogspot.com. "Keep up the good work," wrote Dubai-basedWeblogger 'Gay by nature'. "Be proud and blog the way you like," wroteKuwait's gayboyweekly.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idCAL0830007120080218?sp=true
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On 4-6 March 2008, ILGA-Europe, in partnership with Informational centre
LEGEBITRA, a Slovene LGBT organisation, organises a conference on LGBTfamilies in Europe. This conference is a contribution to the current SlovenePresidency of the European Union and aims at drawing attention to the lackof recognition and existing discrimination against LGBT families at Europeanlevel. This conference will bring together LGBT activists, decision makersand experts in the field of LGBT families. The purpose of the conference isto enhance a dialogue between European institutions and civil society on thetopic of legal recognition of LGBT families.
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Anti-gay Riot Participant Becomes Representative Of Communist PresidentialCandidate In Russia
Homophobic communist takes part in Russian elections
Young communist Pavel Tarasov, who participated in anti-gay riots in Moscow,became a person empowered to act for Gennady Zyuganov, presidentialcandidate and leader of Communist Party of Russian Federation. As arepresentative of communist leader Mr. Tarasov took recently part in debatesbetween presidential candidates on Russian national TV channel.Pavel Tarasovparticipated in two anti-gay riots in the center of Russian capital. In 2006and 2007 during two Moscow gay pride manifestations with a group of younghomophobic communists he helped to disperse LGBT people on the streets ofMoscow. Wearing a red T-shirt with communist symbols Tarasov was a head ofhomophobic mob which shouted on the streets: "Death to faggots!" In 2006photographs of Tarasov and his comrades appeared on the Internet against abackground of nationalists and Cossacks dispersing LGBT demonstrators.
http://www.gayrussia.ru/en/news/detail.php?ID=10970
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Gay rugby team 'unacceptable'
Stormont Sports Minister Edwin Poots has stood by his criticism of a rugbyteam that purports to be the first in Northern Ireland to "openly identifywith gay men". Mr Poots had pointed to the formation of the Ulster Titansrugby team and accused it of sporting "apartheid". "I just cannot fathom whypeople see the necessity to develop an apartheid in sport," he said. Theclub, which played its first competitive match in September 2007 and tookpart in last year's Dublin Pride march, denies this.It says that while itidentifies with gay men, it is open to all.The Minister said it was"unacceptable to produce an all-homosexual rugby team and I find itremarkable that people who talk so much about inclusivity and about havingan equal role in society would then go down the route of exclusion."
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Secret plan to avoid church gay split
The Archbishop of Canterbury is backing secret plans to create a "parallel"Church for American conservatives to avert fresh splits over homosexuality.
Dr Rowan Williams has held confidential talks with senior American bishopsand theologians who oppose the pro-gay policies of their liberal leaders.
A handful of hardline American dioceses are already defecting from theEpiscopal Church, the American branch of Anglicanism, and transferring theirloyalties to a conservative archbishop in South America. Dr Williams isdesperate to minimise further damage in the run up to the once-a-decadeLambeth Conference this summer which could be boycotted by more than a fifthof the world's bishops.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/02/23/nchurch123.xml
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Abbey body identified as gay lover of Edward IImutilated body found in an abbey graveyard has been identified as that of anotorious medieval villain rumoured to have been the gay lover of Edward II.
The remains, which bear the hallmarks of having been hanged, drawn andquartered, are thought to be those of Sir Hugh Despenser the Younger, whowas executed as a traitor in 1326. Sir Hugh had been favourite of EdwardII - who was widely believed to have been homosexual - but was brutallyexecuted before a mob after the king was ousted from the throne. Thedecapitated remains, buried at Hulton Abbey, Staffs, have intrigued expertssince they were uncovered during the 1970s and now Mary Lewis, ananthropologist, says she has uncovered compelling evidence of their trueidentity.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
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A friend of mine has just returned from Cuba after a 10 day visit -- he wasfortunate enough not to have been born in the U.S. -- and he reports thatthe gay scene there is thriving, unharassed and pretty open. He was able tostay in an apartment where the landlady assured him she had no problems ifhe wanted to bring back male pick-ups (which he did). On the streets tradeis to be found with little or no police intervention. Occasionally, myfriend reports, when the crowds of young gays become too great the policewill blow a whistle to disperse the groups; but they will just drift off tore-assemble elsewhere. There are no arrests and no obvious persecution ofhomosexuals. My friend even attended a gay disco! Other myths about Castro'sCuba were also exploded by my friend. He was able to hire a modern auto -- aHyundai Accent; there were no fuel shortages; and he was able to driveanywhere on the island without restriction.
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This is a plea to save an Iranian young man who is to be deported back tothe UK from the Netherlands, under the Dublin treaty.Mahdi has already beenrefused asylum in the UK and shall certainly face horrific torture and mostlikely execution if the British government is allowed to send him back toIran.A campaign must be started to prevent this from happening, especiallyas the young lad had already suffered and is now going on a hunger strike.
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In a nut shell he came to England on a student Visa to study, his boyfriendin Iran was caught out and executed, and under torture gave Madhis name.
Madhi made an application for asylum in England , but was refused. He triedto go to Canada , but was caught by the German border police and has been inthe Netherlands , who as you know give Iranian gays special group status.
Unfortunately, the UK is demanding him back under the Dublin Treaty, and heis due on the 26th. His fate from then is unknown, but will definitely bedeported back to Iran , where undoubtedly face torture and execution. I havedone a petition to the home office and prime minister here and also tryingto get Amnesty International involved, as well as putting pressure on theDutch not to send him back
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The EU has become increasingly concerned at what it describes as the"growing repression" within Iran. The crackdown by the authorities not onlyextends to the public enforcement of Islamic dress codes, but is also aimedat minorities, journalists and human rights activists. The EU released thisstatement : 'The EU remains deeply concerned at the growing repressionagainst all groups which exercise their right to freely express theiropinions, and at the escalation of restrictions on freedom of the press andfreedom of expression in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The EU condemns theclosure of newspapers, magazines and of the Iranian Labour News Agency, aswell as the arrest and persecution of journalists, web bloggers, and humanrights defenders for exercising their right to freedom of expression."
http://aidanmaconachyblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/mehdi-kazemi-human-rights-abuses-in.html
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I love Peter Tatchell.
He's one of only a few real, living Gay heroes currently on the scene inBritain. Larry Kramer is perhaps his American counterpart. But just asKramer is oftentimes gloriously blunt in his proclamations, Mr. Tatchell'slatest
(http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/peter_tatchell/2008/02/sexing_the_future.html)
is maddeningly wedded to a wrongheaded ideal of just what a"post-homophobic society" would (or ought to) look like. Tatchell's view isnot unique, nor uncommon. No, it's rather emblematic of what's come to betaught as Queer Theory.
http://gayrepublic.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2404&lead=1
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A century after they killed Oscar Wilde the British are still at itGay DJ, 66 and diabetic, extradited to face charges in SlovakiaChris Denning, the ex-BBC Radio One DJ, was last week extradited from the UKto Slovakia on allegations of "corrupting public morals". Denning, 66 yearsold and suffering from severe diabetes, finished a 4-year sentence inBritain on January 27th and now faces the ordeal of a further trial andpossible term of imprisonment in Bratislava.
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Forwarded from Gay Asalyum - UK
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayasylum/messages?o=1
Go to this link for the following articles:
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168 Anti-Immigrant Effort Takes Hold in Md.
Grass-Roots Movement Expands Beyond Montgomery in Targeting the Undocumented
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167 Second Moscow Gay Pride Ban Appealed to the European Human Rights Co
Compensation of 36 million roubles sought for breach of rights Organisers ofMoscow Gay Pride have today sent the case that their human rights werebreached... omar kuddus
gayasylum
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163 Cuba: Fidel Castro's Abusive Machinery Remains Intact
Major Obstacles Remain for Human Rights
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162 South Africa: Ensure Justice for Police Raid Victims
Officials Responsible for Mistreatment of People at Methodist Church ShouldBe Held Accountable
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157 TRANSWOMEN OF COLOR TESTIFY TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON RACISM IN THE U
I find this news interesting, that some Transsexual Activists in the US areasking the UN also to fight against American racism.
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153 Uganda: New Accord Provides for War Crimes Trials
Prosecuting Rights Abusers Will Require Political Will, Legal Reforms
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152 Another Iranian Teenager faces Homophobic Authorities
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150 China: Olympic Activist Deprived of Due ProcessProceedings Failed to Meet Minimum Fair Trial Standards
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148 Israel's Use of Cluster Bombs Shows Need for Global Ban
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147 Bahrain: New Allegations of Detainee Abuse
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146 The TUC has condemned the brutal Zimbabwean police attack on teachertrade unionists yesterday (Tuesday) and called on governments in the regionand in Europe.
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Ray - I happened upon your article in defense of gay marriage -- which theabove-referenced Dan Lungren has been trying to make permanently illegal foryears through a constitutional amendment. This is a long shot on my part,but here goes: progressives in the 3rd CA congressional district are doingtheir damnedest to oust Lungren, who in addition to his religious and socialbigotry is one of Congress's worst in terms of undermining the Constitution,promoting wars, and pandering to corporate powers. He's also an arrogant,thoroughly detestable guy. Our local Stonewall Democratic Club, one of themost active in the country, has been among local progressives helping Dr.Bill Durston, an ER doctor/marine veteran who is mounting his secondchallenge to Lungren. (Fabulous guy -- you can check him out on hiswebsite.) My wild idea is this: Bill needs all the help he can get. If youhave a mailing list, maybe you can suggest to your readers that they checkBill's site http://durstonforcongress.org/ and e-mail his campaign five orten dollars to help fight the abominable Mr. Lungren. Sometimes there isgreat power in a little given by many.
Sincerely yours,
Jane O'Donnell
Orangevale, CA
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Judicial nominee Richard Honaker thinks he can pull a fast one on theAmerican public.
Last week during his Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Honaker tried todownplay his hostility toward a woman's right to choose. But who couldpossibly buy it? I sure don't. Already, NARAL Pro-Choice America activistshave sent 134,136 emails to senators opposing Honaker's nomination, one ofBush's most anti-choice nominees to date. But we can't win the fight withoutyour help. Please click here to urge Sen. Nelson and Sen. Martinez tooppose Honaker's nomination. Tell them that the facts about Honaker speakvolumes. The truth about Honaker is ugly and plainly extremist.
https://secure2.convio.net/choice/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr004=meu93rlr21.app46b&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=393
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
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I read with interest your article in the Miami Herald on the rightsof transgendered (TG) people in Broward County. I am from the UK andthe government here passed legislation several years ago to ensurethat TG people have the same rights and protection under law asevery other member of society. For many years in the UK TG people have beenable to change their passports and drivers licences to reflect their gender, and now, since the new legislation, TG people are able to change their birthcertificates, too. TG people can get married as well, just the sameas any other couple, and no longer have to `out' themselves whenbuying insurances by having to reveal discriminatory details aboutthemselves.
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
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Task Force decries anti-gay bigotry involving teen killed in hate-lacedattack
"Our hearts go out to Lawrence's family - and to all young lesbian, gay,bisexual and transgender kids who are - right now, right this minute - beingbullied and beaten in school while adults look the other way."
https://www.kintera.org/site/lookup.asp?c=nlI2IeN1JyE&b=3449865
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Give some sage advice - to SAGE
The Task Force is partnering with SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay,Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) in advancing protections for LGBTelders. SAGE wants to know what you think about aging and the LGBTcommunity, as well as services and programs currently offered or potentially offered bySAGE. It takes about 7 minutes to tell SAGE what you think in thisconfidential electronic survey. You'll be participating in the SAGEstrategic planning process and you will help determine the future ofservices for LGBT elders across the country. Whether you consider yourselfold, middle-aged or young - age doesn't matter in this survey, so pleasetake the survey by Feb. 26. It's easy and confidential! Take the surveynow
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Vi4RDwQNwZP9d7sXC0OkSg_3d_3d
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The complexities of friendship: exploring how gay men make sense of theirworkplace friendships with straight women
Despite the contemporary attention paid to the gay male-straight femalefriendship dyad within popular culture and a growing scholarly interest inmale-female friendships, not enough is known about the friendship dynamicsbetween gay men and straight women, particularly in the workplace. I drawupon qualitative findings from in-depth interviews with 28 gay men employedin a range of work roles in the UK to document their existence and shedlight on how gay men understand, value and give meaning to workplacefriendships with women.
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713649882~db=all
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Call for Chapter Proposals
Same-Sex Marriage in the Americas
Since the late 1980s, policies recognizing and granting rights to same-sexcouples have proliferated throughout the world. Starting in NorthernEurope, these policies and policy initiatives have expanded to South Africa,Canada, the United States, and, increasingly, Latin American countries suchas Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. Much scholarship hasbeen devoted to the developments in Europe and North America, but little hasbeen done on Central and South America.
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Seeking participants. Resilience within Transgender Male-to-FemaleIndividuals
I am seeking participants for my research study. If you know of anyadult transgender MTF, please forward them to www.tgresilience.com I am currently conducting a research study on transgender male-to-female individuals and the role that gender has on thoughts andfeelings and the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Theresearch study will involve the completion of four instrumentsdesigned to measure a person's background, level of gender role,current mental health status, and level of resilience (the ability torecover quickly from setbacks). This study will take approximately20-25 minutes.
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American Family Network
Procter & Gamble is the top pro-homosexual sponsor on network television.
That is the result of a 12-week monitoring project by American FamilyAssociation. Other companies listed in the top ten pro-homosexual sponsorsinclude Verizon, Target, Ford Motor Company, Sears, and Macy's. To see thecomplete list of the Top Ten Pro-Homosexual Sponsors, click herehttp://www.afa.net/monitoringwinter07.asp
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For polyamorists, three or more is never a crowd
Believing that humans aren't designed to be monogamous, they spread the lovearound
http://www.thestar.com/living/article/305282
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On 4-6 March 2008, ILGA-Europe, in partnership with Informational centre
LEGEBITRA, a Slovene LGBT organisation, organises a conference on LGBTfamilies in Europe. This conference is a contribution to the current SlovenePresidency of the European Union and aims at drawing attention to the lackof recognition and existing discrimination against LGBT families at Europeanlevel. This conference will bring together LGBT activists, decision makersand experts in the field of LGBT families. The purpose of the conference isto enhance a dialogue between European institutions and civil society on thetopic of legal recognition of LGBT families.
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Software Developed to Help Officials Investigate Porn
Program matches images against porn database.
http://avn.com/index.cfm?objectid=32F17905-9701-1ABC-ACE28EAD68F63E56
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History was made earlier today as State Representative Jason Bartlett (2ndDistrict Connecticut) publicly came out as gay. His announcement makes himthe highest ranking African American and openly gay politician in the UnitedStates. The National Black Justice Coalition proudly congratulates Rep.Bartlett for both his courage and for his political accomplishments
http://www.bilerico.com/2008/02/high_ranking_black_politician_comes_out.php
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Though it's gotten very little attention in the gay press, an important caseaffecting the lives of gays and lesbians is now pending in the U.S. SupremeCourt. The case challenges the constitutionality of the District ofColumbia's unusually strict gun-control law, which bans handguns andeffectively prevents people from possessing firearms for self-defense intheir own homes. A brief filed in the case, on which I offered some counsel, argues that the law is especially harmful to gay Americans. The brief joins a largecoalition of groups, including the National Rifle Association, arguing forindividual rights under the Second Amendment.
http://ebar.com/columns/column.php?sec=outright&article=60> &article=60
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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. State Department has lifted the ban on individualswith HIV serving as Foreign Service officers. As of last Friday, February15, the blanket ban was replaced with a policy of reviewing applicants withHIV on a case-by-case basis. The change in guidelines came less than twoweeks before trial was set to begin in the case of Taylor v. Rice, a lawsuitbrought by Lambda Legal on behalf of Lorenzo Taylor whose employment offerwith the Foreign Service was rescinded after he disclosed his HIV status.
"We applaud Lambda Legal for their successful efforts to overturn this ban,"said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
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Love v. Morehouse College (2007)
Should Colleges Be Sued for Harboring Intolerance?
Gregory A. Love, then a student at Morehouse College, in Atlanta, was beatenin 2002 with a baseball bat by a fellow student in a dormitory shower afterLove made what his attacker perceived as a homosexual advance. Theattackerwas later convicted of aggravated assault and battery.Love suedMorehouse, arguing that the all-male, historically blackinstitution wasliable for his injuries because it had fostered intolerance toward gaystudents and had "consistently fail[ed] to address complaints of homophobia"and harassment.
http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i24/24a03101.htm
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UK - Cameron McWilliams: Lonely boy with no friends outside school
A BOY of 10 has been found hanged at his South Yorkshire home after tellinghis mum he wanted to be a girl. Tragic Cameron McWilliams had already askedfor permission to wear make-up, and been teased after he was found wearinghis half-sister's knickers. His desperate mum Kelly McWilliams told aDoncaster inquest she had bought him girls' underwear to wear in private,but had refused his requests to be allowed to wear make-up. She said: "Itwas apparent he was unhappy and said he wanted to be a girl. He did likegirls' things."
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Forwarded from Susan Frishkorn
frishkorn@bellsouth.net
Go to this link for the following article:
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Ben & Jerry's founders endorse Obama
The founders of Ben & Jerry's endorsed Barack Obama on Monday, and lent hisVermont campaign two "ObamaMobiles" that will tour the state and give awayscoops of "Cherries for Change" ice cream. "If there was ever a need forreal change, and if there ever was a candidate to inspire us and make thathappen, it's now," said Ben Cohen.Added Jerry Greenfield: "Barack is showingthat when you lead with your values and follow what you have inside thatgood things will happen."
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Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Winter Conference
March 7, 8, 9 2008
Marriott West Palm Beach
1001 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach FL 33401
Details are beginning to come together and our website now has detailedinformation and on-line registration is available. Please click here fordetails.
http://www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org/conference.html
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Anything but Straight
http://www.waynebesen.com/
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'Ex-Gay' Quack Therapists Declare War
Dr. Warren Throckmorton, the shamelessly self-promoting "ex-gay" therapist,has stepped up his holy war against gay people. This week, he organized apack of fundamentalist quacks to file a formal written complaint with theAmerican Counseling Association. Throckmorton's crew is upset because theybelieve the ACA is inhibiting their ability to destroy the mental health ofgay and lesbian people in the name of religion. They also believe that theyhave the special right as fundamentalists to use bizarre techniques andignore normal therapy guidelines. What is so morally distasteful andethically disgraceful about Throckmorton is that he is taking this measurewithout offering a shred of evidence that his shame-based therapy modelworks.
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TruthWinsOut.Org Introduces Seven New Videos Leading Up To March 3 Launch ofDynamic Website
NEW YORK - TruthWinsOut.org (TWO) introduced seven new Internet videos todayfeaturing a noted clinical psychologist, the attorney who represented a manwho had possibly been exposed to HIV from an "ex-gay" leader and severalex-gay survivors. Each week leading up to the March 3 launch ofTruthWinsOut.org's updated website, the organization will release neweducational videos addressing the "ex-gay" myth from unique angles.
http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressreleases/truthwinsoutorg-introduces-seven-new-videos-leading-up-to-march-3-launch-of-dynamic-website/
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GLAAD's "The Best and Worst of National News"
http://www.glaad.org/2008/BestAndWorst/BestAndWorstFeb2008.htm
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THE BEST
Philadelphia Inquirer Spotlights the Lives of Gay Grandparents
In a welcome development, several leading newspapers have recently givenvisibility to the issues faced by LGBT seniors. The Philadelphia Inquireradded a new dimension to this topic by discussing the lives of gaygrandparents. In the Feb. 3 story "The grandparents are out," reporterAnndee Hochman sensitively shared the stories of two older gay people whocame out late in their lives and now find acceptance and support from theirgrandchildren. After seeing many negative representations of gay people inthe media during her life, 55-year-old Marian Mitchell and her partnerdecided to be open with her family.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/image/20080203_The_grandparents_are_out.html
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Los Angeles Times Column Condemns Anti-Gay Chant at College Basketball Game
Across the country, sporting events can sometimes be ruined by thedisruptive and defamatory behavior of spectators. Unfortunately, this wasthe case at a recent men's basketball game between the University of Oregonand UCLA. During the game, Oregon fans taunted UCLA player Kevin Love withanti-gay chants. Los Angeles Times sports columnist Kurt Streeter, who waspresent at the game, laudably decided to educate readers about the problemof hate speech during sports events and to condemn the spectators' anti-gaytaunts. In his Jan. 31 column "Oregon fans bring shame to school," Streetercalled upon the University of Oregon to uphold its commitment to diversityand acceptance by having zero tolerance for the hateful chants of its fansduring future games.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-streeter31jan31,1,6125898.column
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New York Times Highlights LGBT Voters During the Presidential Primary Season
Too often, journalists have overlooked the opinions and concerns of LGBTvoters during their coverage of the 2008 presidential primaries. New YorkTimes reporter Andrew Jacobs devoted a well-written and well-researchedarticle to the issues that are motivating gay people to support certainpolitical candidates. In his Jan. 28 piece "For Gay Democrats, a PrimaryWhere Rights Are Not an Issue, This Time," Jacobs discussed the positions ofDemocratic and Republican candidates on "don't ask, don't tell," workplaceprotections, marriage equality, and civil unions .
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/us/politics/28gay.html?_r=2&em&ex=1201669200&en&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
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New York Times Corrects Problematic Reporting About New Staph Strain
In January, researchers at the University of California at San Franciscopublished a report in the Annals of Internal Medicine about a new strain ofdrug-resistant staph bacteria known as MRSA USA300. Noting a trend ofinitial MRSA USA300 cases appearing in gay men, the report swiftly becamethe subject of stigmatizing news stories that made exaggerated connectionsbetween the infection and the gay community. After The New York Timespublished a brief story about MRSA USA300 on Jan. 14, its San Franciscobureau chief Jesse McKinley wrote a lengthy follow up exploring how thereport's findings were sensationalized and distorted by journalists as wellas by anti-gay groups.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/us/20castro.html
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THE WORST
New York Daily News Uses Problematic Approach in Coverage of the Murder of a Transgender Woman
It is particularly disturbing when the media uses defamatory stereotypes andinappropriate terminology to cover a tragic situation. On Feb. 10, the NewYork Daily News published the defamatory headline "Fooled john stabbed Bronxtranny," above a story about the brutal murder of Sanesha Stewart, a25-year-old transgender woman. The newspaper's use of the dehumanizing term"tranny" and its insinuation that the victim had "fooled" her murderer wasoffensive and irresponsible.
http://www.glaad.org/action/calls_detail.php?id=4228
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New York Post Prints Two Dehumanizing Headlines About LGBT People
Since the beginning of 2008, the New York Post has continued to display itsdisregard for LGBT people with two highly problematic headlines. On Jan. 25,the tabloid printed the headline "Evil Lesbian Mom Left Toddler to Die SlowDeath: DA, " despite the fact that such a gratuitous description ("evillesbian") would not have been used were the subject heterosexual.
Additionally, on Feb. 7, the Post dehumanized the transgender community bypublishing the egregious headline "Axis of She-Vil." The article, whichdiscussed the Iranian government's financial support for sex reassignmentsurgery, also featured the derisive sub-headline, "Death to Gays But FreeOps For Irani Trannies." These latest headlines illustrated the Post'shabitual disregard for basic journalistic standards and its ongoingdenigration of the LGBT community.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/01252008/news/regionalnews/evil_lesbian_mom_left_toddler_to_die_slo_736158.htm
and
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072008/news/worldnews/axis_of_she_vil_92617.htm
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Laura Ingraham Claims that Transgender Conference is "Killing Our Culture"
On Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor
While guest hosting Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor on Feb. 8, commentatorLaura Ingraham debated Medea Benjamin, a spokeswoman for Code Pink who isopposed to military recruitment stations in Berkeley, Calif. Ingraham andBenjamin had the following exchange:
INGRAHAM: Are you-do you think that people have a right then to stop the,let's say, transgender conference that's happening next month at Berkeley?What if the push was to stop the transgender conference? Would you supportthat?
BENJAMIN: I don't think that has anything to do with it, Laura..
INGRAHAM: Has nothing to do with the culture or a divisive issue?
BENJAMIN: It's war that the American people are against.
INGRAHAM: Well, wait. You think - oh, no, let me get this straight. Youthink the majority of Americans would support a transgender conference intheir communities? Are you kidding me?
BENJAMIN: A transgender conference. . . .
INGRAHAM: Oh, come on.
BENJAMIN: . . . .is not killing people. It's people discussing. We'retalking about a war.
INGRAHAM: And killing the culture, maybe. That's all.
Ingraham's claim that a transgender conference is "killing the culture"reflects the kind of over the top, uninformed statements that areunfortunately still commonplace in various News Corporation media outlets(see previous item about the New York Post). Such ill-informed rhetoric doesnothing to advance discussion of any issues, whether transgender- specificor not.
GLAAD encourages you to contact Laura Ingraham and The O'Reilly Factor andask them to stop making ignorant, mean-spirited attacks on transgenderpeople. CONTACT: oreilly@foxnews.com
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Forwarded from Michael Emanuel Rajner
merajner@gmail.com
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
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PUTTING THE TRANS BACK IN TRANSIT
In landmark ruling for transgender people, court decision means 40,000
Transit employees must abide by Human Rights Law
Transgender rights are human rights. A New York Supreme Court justice upheldthat notion when he ruled on Monday that employees of the New York CityTransit Authority aren't exempt from New York City Human Rights Law, andthus can be held liable for discrimination on the basis of genderexpression.
http://www.hwupdate.org/update/2008/02/putting_the_trans_in_transit.html
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The Democratic Party's last scheduled primary will be in Puerto Rico.
Many of the island's issues will take on heightened importance.Key among these is the HIV/AIDS crisis in Puerto Rico.See the video. Warning! Some scene contains strong images.
http://www.viddler.com/santiago007/videos/6/
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