GLBT DIGEST December 09, 2008

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Attack on Ecuadorean Brothers Investigated as Hate Crime
The two brothers from Ecuador had attended a church party and had stopped at a bar afterward. They may have been a bit tipsy as they walked home in the dead of night, arm-in-arm, leaning close to each other, a common tableau of men in Latino cultures, but one easily misinterpreted by the biased mind.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/nyregion/09assault.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse

-Op-Ed Contributors: Showdown in the Big Tent
Los Angeles: THE attitude of white, liberal Hollywood toward African- American churches has long been one of almost participatory respect. Whether it's Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, or the Blind Boys of Alabama on the iPod, or a serious - reverential - mention of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference over dinner, the understanding is clear: the black church is a foundational institution in the history of the civil rights struggle, and its music (although it makes reference to Jesus Christ as a personal savior) is smoking hot.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/opinion/07flanagan.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=cse

-A Lifestyle Distinct: The Muxe of Mexico
Mexico City - Mexico can be intolerant of homosexuality; it can also be quite liberal. Gay-bashing incidents are not uncommon in the countryside, where many Mexicans consider homosexuality a sin. In Mexico City, meanwhile, same-sex domestic partnerships are legally recognized - and often celebrated lavishly in government offices as if they were marriages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/weekinreview/07lacey.html?scp=9&sq=gay&st=cse


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Calling in 'gay' to work is latest form of protest
Some same-sex marriage supporters are urging people to "call in gay"
Wednesday to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians, but others question whether it's wise to encourage skipping work given the nation's economic distress. Organizers of "Day Without a Gay" _ scheduled to coincide with International Human Rights Day and modeled after similar work stoppages by Latino immigrants _ also are encouraging people to perform volunteer work and refrain from spending money.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/09/AR2008120900809.html

-Gay group organizes 'Pink Christmas' in Amsterdam
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- A Dutch gay group said Monday it has planned a "Pink Christmas" festival for the first time in Amsterdam, featuring a manger stall with two Josephs and two Marys.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/08/AR2008120801239.html

-Next stop on gay marriage debate in courts: Iowa
The gay marriage debate moves to the Midwest this week as the Iowa Supreme Court hears arguments in a challenge to the state's ban on same-sex marriage. If the high court rules in favor of the half-dozen gay couples who sued, it would make Iowa the fourth state after Massachusetts, California and Connecticut to uphold the right of same-sex couples to legally marry. In California, however, voters have negated the courts by amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/07/AR2008120701390.html


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Brazil: Serial killer is suspected
ATHENS AO PAULO PARIS JERUSALEM - Brazilian police are investigating whether a possible serial killer is behind the murders of more than a dozen gay men in a park in suburban Sao Paulo. Police chief Paulo Fernando Fortunato told the O Globo newspaper that 13 gay men were killed there between February 2007 and August 2008. He said police are not sure whether a single person is responsible. Undercover police are now patrolling the park at night.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flaworlddig1209081sbdec09,0,2953947.story


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Some ask: Is 'call in gay' to work protest wise?
Some same-sex marriage supporters are urging people to "call in gay" Wednesday to show how much the country relies on gays and lesbians, but others question whether it's wise to encourage skipping work given the nation's economic distress. Organizers of "Day Without a Gay" - scheduled to coincide with International Human Rights Day and modeled after similar work stoppages by Latino immigrants - also are encouraging people to perform volunteer work and refrain from spending money.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/

-Video | Lesbian and Gay Band Association will march in the 2009
Presidential Inaugural Parade
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association has announced it will be part of the upcoming Obama inaugural parade. From the group's website: America's first gay and lesbian contingent. We are extremely pleased to announce that the Lesbian and Gay Band Association will be included as a marching contingent in the Inaugural Parade. This is the first time that an LGBT group will be represented in a Presidential Inaugural Parade, truly our chance to make history.


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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Demonstrators to protest at Gov. Crist's wedding
Marriage rights supporters vow to crash Florida governor's nuptials
When Gov. Charlie Crist legally weds his longtime girlfriend Carole Rome on Dec. 12, St. Petersburg's First United Methodist Church will be packed with cheering family members, friends and the most inside of Florida insiders. Outside the church, in nearby Williams Park, hundreds of supporters of equal marriage rights-the outsiders of the Nov. 4 vote in Florida-will also cheer the governor and his bride. But it will be a double-edged celebration.
http://www.floridablade.com/2008/12-4/news/localnews/5330.cfm

-Be a holiday Angel for local GLBT youth in need
Pridelines youth initiative asking for donations
The holidays are a time for helping and giving to others and Pridelines Youth Services needs your help more this time of year than any other. For the holidays, Pridelines invites you to become an "Angel" with their "Operation Angel." Many of the young people who are helped by Pridelines have become homeless due to their sexuality. Holiday gifts are something they would like to receive but know it won't happen.
http://www.floridablade.com/2008/12-4/news/localnews/5336.cfm

-Homophobe to head the RNC?
Former Ohio Secretary of State and U.N. ambassador Ken Blackwell is in the running to chair the RNC, according to the Washington Times. Blackwell is also a senior fellow at the Family Research Council, the anti-gay fundie organization.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=22858


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Iowa's Constitutional Protections
The Iowa Supreme Court is set to hear their gay marriage case tomorrow morning. As the fourth state on the brink of legalizing same-sex marriage, the fight in Iowa is much more significant in many ways.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/ruby-sachs-iowas-constitutional-protections/

-Mexico's third gender
In the New York Times this weekend, a story investigated the treatment of cross-dressing men in a small indigenous community outside of Oaxaca. This community has a separate word and separate gender category for men who are drawn to the dress and behavior of women. Many are supported by their families and permitted to dress and act like a woman without community reprisal. Mexico is not the only country with this "third sex," but that doesn't make it any less interesting that the support for male femininity is significantly higher in small town Mexico than most of the United States.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/ruby-sachs-mexicos-third-gender/

-Bill O'Reilly channels Ted Baxter
Sorry to bore you with a Bill O'Reilly post, but this was way too good to let go. The mouth over at Fox News is in a tizzy over two displays in the Olympia, Washington statehouse. There is a Nativity scene and right next to it a sign sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. You can imagine what the sign says right?
http://www.365gay.com/blog/120808-oreilly-doesnt-understand-free-speech/

-Fighting Charlie Crist
There is an etiquette to celebrating a wedding, but most certainly protest is not found in the guidelines from the Emily Post Institute. Protest, however, is part of Impact-Florida's plan on Dec. 12, when the once-divorced governor of Florida marries Carole Rome.
http://www.365gay.com/opinion/neff-fighting-charlie-crist/

-Amsterdam gay Christmas features same-sex Nativity
(Amsterdam, Netherlands) A Dutch gay group said Monday it has planned a "Pink Christmas" festival for the first time in Amsterdam, featuring a manger stall with two Josephs and two Marys.
http://www.365gay.com/news/amsterdam-gay-christmas-features-same-sex-nativity/

-LA Episcopal diocese OKs gay bishops, unions
The feud between liberals and conservatives within the worldwide Anglican Church has grown wider with the decision by the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese to call for the lifting of a moratorium on consecrating gay bishops.
http://www.365gay.com/news/la-episcopal-diocese-oks-gay-bishops-unions/

-Nobel Winner predicts HIV vaccine in 5 years
(Stockholm) One of the scientists sharing the Nobel Prize in medicine for discovering the HIV virus said on the weekend that he believes there will be a therapeutic vaccine to treat it within five years.
http://www.365gay.com/news/nobel-winner-predicts-hiv-vaccine-in-5-years/

-Will you "Call in Gay" on Dec. 10?
Yes.
No, but I'll participate in the economic boycott.
No, but I would if I could.
No, I don't think it's a good idea.
http://www.365gay.com/


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-GLAAD, Outfest Say Yes to Sundance
Mormons poured millions of dollars into a successful effort to pass California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8. And ever since the election, there's been talk among gay people about a ban on all things Utah, including the Park City-based Sundance Film Festival. But now two prominent gay groups -- the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and Outfest -- have announced that they will participate in the prestigious film showcase. Read the full story
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid67962.asp

-Newsom Swears in New Gay City Supervisor
With Tom Ammiano leaving the San Francisco board of supervisors to take his new post in the state assembly, his successor, David Campos, was sworn in early by Mayor Gavin Newsom to assume the duties for the session's remaining days.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid68004.asp

-Court Ruling May Pave Way for End of DADT
A court ruling handed down on Thursday may pave the way for "don't ask, don't tell" to be repealed. According to a decision by the ninth U.S. circuit court of appeals in San Francisco, Air Force major Margaret Witt's earlier victory invalidating her discharge will be allowed to stand, leaving the military to acquiesce -- or go to the Supreme Court, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. In May, Witt, a decorated nurse, won her case before a three-judge panel of the appeals court, which ruled that the military must show why an individual soldier is being discharged for being gay. The Air Force now has 90 days to appeal to the Supreme Court, the Chronicle reports; otherwise, the new requirement becomes binding in the eight states of the ninth circuit, including California. (The Advocate)
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid67967.asp

-GLAAD, Outfest Say Yes to Sundance
Mormons poured millions of dollars into a successful effort to pass California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8. And ever since the election, there's been talk among gay people about a ban on all things Utah, including the Park City-based Sundance Film Festival. But now two prominent gay groups -- the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and Outfest -- have announced that they will participate in the prestigious film showcase. Read the full story
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid67983.asp

-Trevor Project Scores Big With Cracked Xmas
California's passage of the same-sex marriage ban Proposition 8 was a recurring theme running through Cracked Xmas 11, the annual holiday fund-raiser for the teen help line the Trevor Project. Newly out comedian Wanda Sykes got a standing O, Anne Hathaway auctioned herself off for a night of drinking, and Fantasia stomped her way through the audience in song.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid67969.asp


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Maltese gays want to emigrate because of discrimination
Three-quarters of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Malta would emigrate if they had the chance, according to a new survey.

-South Korea challenged over "rampant discrimination" against gays
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in South Korea face "rampant" discrimination, a coalition of LGBT groups and straight supporters have said.

-Same-sex marriage bans lead to Day Without A Gay protests
A novel form of civil protest will be practised by gays in the US tomorrow. For those angry at bans on gay marriage, tomorrow is the Day Without A Gay.

-US Supreme Court decides Obama is not British and can become President
America's highest court has declined to even hear a case brought by a retired lawyer that claimed President-elect Barack Obama is not qualified to take the highest office in the land.

-Comment: Moscow Pride organisers appeal to Council of Europe
The organisers of Moscow Pride have written to the Human Rights Commissioner of the Council of Europe - the event has been banned every year.

-Italian footballer claims top players pay him for sex
An Italian man has claimed that up to 30 top flight footballers have paid him for sex.

-US Armed Forces look to foreign recruits - as long as they are straight America's military leaders have approved a one-year pilot programme that aims to recruit up to 1,000 foreign nationals to plug chronic staff shortages.

-Cliff Richard "loves" the enigma surrounding his sexuality
Veteran pop star Sir Cliff Richard has described his sex life as an enigma. Sir Cliff, 68, is one of the UK's best-known Christians, has been the victim of persistent rumours and innuendo about his sexuality.


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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Our Mutual Joy
Lisa Miller | Newsweek
Let's try for a minute to take the religious conservatives at their word and define marriage as the Bible does. Shall we look to Abraham, the great patriarch, who slept with his servant when he discovered his beloved wife Sarah was infertile? Or to Jacob, who fathered children with four different women (two sisters and their servants)? Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon and the kings of Judah and Israel-all these fathers and heroes were polygamists. The New Testament model of marriage is hardly better. Jesus himself was single and preached an indifference to earthly attachments-especially family. The apostle Paul (also single) regarded marriage as an act of last resort for those unable to contain their animal lust. "It is better to marry than to burn with passion," says the apostle, in one of the most lukewarm endorsements of a treasured institution ever uttered. Would any contemporary heterosexual married couple-who likely woke up on their wedding day harboring some optimistic and newfangled ideas about gender equality and romantic love-turn to the Bible as a how-to script?

-The Protests are Working-Keep Them Up
by: Maura Hennessey | Pam's House Blend
The protests are working. Every time that the enemies of our equality fire back and try to intimidate us into disavowing the protests, they are admitting fear of us and that we are succeeding. If we buy into their propaganda by reacting to it this time, we lose what is obviously a winning strategy. We cannot win the war of words or a debate because they are incapable of compromise or change. Their understanding of their God forbids it. Yes, we are protesting, yes it is directed at a conspiratorial organisation claiming to be a religion as well as individuals. And yes, we will KEEP ON protesting to deter others from denying us citizenship, equality.

-A Patronizing "Pastoral Message"
By Timothy Kincaid | Box Turtle Bulletin
Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, has issued A pastoral message to homosexual Catholics in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles assuring gay Catholics that they "are cherished members of the Catholic Church, and that we value you as equal and active members of the Body of Christ". I know what the Cardinal is trying to say. He just wants gay Catholics to know that this very personal action that he encouraged to harm their life wasn't personal. It's not out of some desire to hurt them, you see, it's just out of Mahony's absolute certainty about how things should be. And that while he actively seeks to eliminate any measure of equality for same-sex attracted persons either in society or in the Church, he values them as equal members of the Body of Christ. You're equal in the eyes of God, you see, but dogma and doctrine require that you be treated as intrinsically disordered, not to be protected from death sentences, and psychologically suspect due to your "deep-seated homosexual tendencies."
Read more

-Why Does the Word "Homosexual" Piss Me Off?
Waymon Hudson | The Bilerico Project
I find myself cringing when I hear the word "homosexual." Yes, I know it is a scientific term and meant to be clinical. And I know it is odd that this word bothers me when I embrace other words like queer, which is horribly offensive to some. I know this may be in my mind, but I still have a guttural reaction when I hear the word. To me, it seems that more and more the word "homosexual" is becoming the new "faggot." It is being used by the religious right, conservatives, the media, and just about everyone else as a fill-in for a derogatory term.
Read more

-A Gay Marriage Surge
By Arian Campo-Flores | Newsweek Web Exclusive
When voters in California, Florida and Arizona approved measures banning same-sex marriage last month, opponents lamented that the country appeared to be turning increasingly intolerant toward gay and lesbian rights. But the latest NEWSWEEK Poll finds growing public support for gay marriage and civil unions-and strong backing for the granting of certain rights associated with marriage, to same-sex couples.

-'Newsweek' Examines The Biblical Relation to Gay Marriage
By Carlos Santoscoy | On Top Magazine
In Our Mutual Joy, Newsweek's cover story for December 15, available today on magazine racks, Religion Editor Lisa Miller concludes there is nothing in the Bible prohibiting gay marriage and quite a bit for it. Miller explains that the institution of marriage is continually evolving, and that "traditional marriage" as we think of it today did not exist during Biblical times. Instead, Miller believes the Bible supports an argument for gay marriage.

-IRQR Urges the UN General Assembly to Adopt the France Resolution on Dec 10
In Memorial of Makvan- who was Executed in Iran. Last year in Iran on December 5, 2007 Makvan Mouloodzadeh 21-years old was executed. Homophobia runs deep into Iranian society. This, of course, partly reflects the influence of the conservative Islamic legal and religious standards promoted by the government.


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Colin Powell helps raise $1 million for MLK memorial, calls on public to donate to project
Gen. Colin Powell helped deliver a $1 million gift Monday for the planned Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and called on all Americans to donate to the National Mall project. The foundation building the memorial has raised $102 million of the $120 million needed to complete the project slated for the Tidal Basin between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-king-memorial-colin-powell,0,6032143.story


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