Thursday, December 31, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 31, 2009

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


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

Texting While Driving, Smoking Target of '10 Laws
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Texting while driving, smoking in public and cooking with artery-clogging trans fats will be that much harder under a bevy of state laws set to take effect around the country on Friday. Faced with huge budget shortfalls and little extra money to throw around, state lawmakers exercised their (inexpensive) power to clamp down on impolite, unhealthy and sometimes dangerous behaviors in 2009.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/31/business/AP-US-New-Laws.html?scp=13&sq=gay&st=cse/

New Jersey Judge Calls Surrogate Legal Mother of Twins
By STEPHANIE SAUL
A New Jersey judge has ruled that a gestational surrogate who gave birth to twin girls is their legal mother, even though she is not genetically related to them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/us/31surrogate.html?scp=11&sq=gay&st=cse/

Birth Mother Ordered to Surrender Daughter
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The biological mother of a 7-year-old Virginia girl must transfer custody of the child to her former partner, a Vermont family court judge has ruled, adding that it seemed as though the mother had “disappeared” with the girl.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/us/30lesbian.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/

Naughtie Behavior | The Decade in Music
By ANDY GENSLER
Just as there is not yet a consensus on what to call the first 10 years of the 21st century — the aughts, the naughties, the 00s — we can’t quite decide how to term this decade’s musical contributions: the Beyoncés, the Age of Letting Simon, Paula and Randy Choose Our Music, the Golden Age of Brooklyn Hipster Cred, the Period of Major Labels Imploding, the Crazy-All-The-Time-For-Gnarls-Barkley’s-“Crazy”-Time, the ’80s? So we’re just going to go with…all of them. Here, our Top 10 music trends of the aughts. Or whatever.
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/naughtie-behavior-the-decade-in-music/?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/

NH Gay Couples to Start New Year With Wedding Vows
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jeffry Burr and Neil Blair are just hours from their wedding, but there are no typical prenuptial jitters. After all, this is the third time they've exchanged vows.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/31/us/AP-US-Gay-Marriage-NH.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

OC megachurch pastor asks for urgent donations
The Associated Press
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren appealed to parishioners at his Orange County megachurch Wednesday to help fill a $900,000 deficit by the first of the year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/30/AR2009123003577.html/

TV preview: Hank Stuever on MTV's 'The Real World: D.C.'
By Hank Stuever
If you tossed a manila folder containing headshots of all the 170 or so dipwads, skanks, dorks, studs, punks, layabouts, hipsters, frat boys, princesses, alcoholics, dreamers, androgynes, breasty sweetie-pies, thugs, defensive right-wingers, dilettante liberals, wannabe musicians/actors/rappers/comedians, future spokesmodels, racist hicks and angry minorities who've ever done time in the pop-art confines of 23 seasons (!) of MTV's "The Real World," and let the contents scatter to the floor, and then allowed me 15 minutes or so to sort the cast members by season and city, I might do all right, at first: Heather B. goes with the primordial 1992 New York season, of course, with Eric, Julie and Norman; Jacinda goes with London; Pedro and Puck will always have San Francisco; and here's that gay/not-gay/gay black dude who slapped that one heavy-lidded white chick in Seattle for calling him gay. But I'd have to give up around 2000 or so (Colin goes with Hawaii? Mormon Girl was New Orleans?), as my addled Gen-X brain clouds over like a badly filtrated "Real World" Jacuzzi.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122902739.html/

First Click -- Maryland
Your daily download of Maryland's top political news and analysis
MVA delays policy on sex changes
"The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has postponed a policy change that, starting Jan. 1, would have required transgender residents to obtain a court order or amended birth certificate to change the gender on their driver's license or identification card," reports The Sun's Laura Smitherman. "The delay drew praise Wednesday from gay rights advocates who mobilized to protest altering the policy that's been in effect since 2000 and allows applicants to change their designation if they provide a physician or psychologist's report confirming they are undergoing a sex change."
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2009/12/first_click_--_maryland_90.html/

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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Custody Battle Pits Gay Couple Against Surrogate
By Nathan Koppel
Yesterday, we talked about an interesting custody dispute involving a lesbian couple. Today, we head to New Jersey to look at a custody battle between a gay couple and a woman who agreed to act as a surrogate mother for the couple.
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/12/31/custody-battle-pits-gay-couple-against-surrogate/

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

Same-sex couples to celebrate New Year saying 'I do' in NH, 5th state to legalize gay marriage
By Norma Love
Jeffry Burr and Neil Blair are just hours from their wedding, but there are no typical prenuptial jitters. After all, this is the third time they've exchanged vows.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gay-marriage-nh,0,3136960.story/

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

Halo lounge in South Beach, Washington, D.C., changing its name to MOVA on Jan. 8
Halo lounge will change its name to MOVA, effective Jan. 8.
Owner Babak Movahedi, pictured with singer Cyndi Lauper, tells me he’s changing the name because too many other Halo gay bars have recently opened.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/halo-lounge-in-south-beach-washington-dc-changing-its-name-to-mova-on-jan-8.html/

Mexico City enacts region's 1st gay marriage law
By MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico City enacted Latin America's first law recognizing gay marriage Tuesday and said it hopes to attract same-sex couples from around the world to wed. The law, approved by city legislators on Dec. 21, was published in Mexico City's official register Tuesday and will take effect in March. It will allow same-sex couples to adopt children and municipal officials say it will make Mexico's capital a "vanguard city" - and attract extra tourism revenues.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/mexico-city-enacts-regions-1st-gay-marriage-law.html/

Fox News video | Liza Minnelli 'On the Record'
From Fox News:
Entertainment legend Liza Minnelli discusses new DVD, career, and Grammy nomination with Greta Van Susteren:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/fox-news-video-liza-minnelli-on-the-record.html/

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

Chris Evans Outed Bro Scott in The Advocate
By Advocate.com Editors
Chris Evans got a lot of attention when he talked about his gay brother Scott in an interview with The Advocate -- but Scott Evans tells WeLoveSoaps.net the attention wasn't all good, because Scott wasn't yet out professionally.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/30/Chris_Evans_Outed_Bro_Scott_in_The_Advocate/

Gay Cruise to Set Sail in Mainland China
By Michelle Garcia
Banana hammocks, sandy beaches, mai tais, and maybe an afternoon of sightseeing for those willing to put on shirts are all things you can expect on a gay cruise—but maybe not the homeland of Chairman Mao.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/First_Gay_Cruise_in_Mainland_China_to_Set_Sail/

The Five Worst Antigay Rants of the Year
By Advocate.com Editors
As antigay statements from national religious and political leaders go, 2009 was especially rich. Here's a recap of the year's worst in hysterics, threats, and thinly-veiled homophobic sentiment.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/30/The_Five_Worst_Antigay_Rants_of_the_Year/

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

Gay Indiana Professor Murdered
By Advocate.com Editors
Don Belton, an assistant professor of English at Indiana University and one of the leading African-American voices in academia, was found stabbed to death in his Bloomington, Ind., home Monday, the Associated Press reports. Twenty-five-year-old Michael J. Griffin has admitted to the stabbing, police say. Griffin reportedly said he stabbed the 53-year-old Belton because the professor sexually assaulted him on Christmas Day and then showed no remorse, according to court papers. Griffin said he went to Belton’s home on Sunday to confront him about the assault and that an argument and scuffle ensued. According to the probably cause affidavit, Griffin then stabbed Belton with a 10-inch military style knife after Belton failed to “show or express any type of feeling that what had taken place was a mistake.” Griffin is being held in county jail and is expected in court for an initial hearing on Wednesday.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/29/Gay_Indiana_Professor_Murdered/

Jane Lynch Animated for Cleveland Show
By Advocate.com Editors
Glee star Jane Lynch can add voiceover artist to her extensive resume. The out actress joins the cast of The Cleveland Show January 10 in the role of Roberta’s brusque, no-nonsense new teacher Ms. Eck.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/29/Jane_Lynch_Gets_Animated_for_Clevelend_Show/

B.C. Gov't Backs Out of Vancouver Outgames
By Advocate.com Editors
The British Columbia government has backed out of a verbal commitment to financially support the 2011 Outgames in Vancouver, Canada's Xtra reports. Government officials initially promised to contribute $400,000 to the event, according to an Outgames chairman John Boychuk. That commitment was then reduced to $150,000 to $200,000. Now they say, "'We can’t continue to commit to any amount,’” Boychuk says.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/30/BC_Govt_Backs_Out_of_Vancouver_Outgames/

Actress, Activist Rubinstein in Failing Health
By Advocate.com Editors
Zelda Rubinstein, who made a name for herself starring in the Poltergeist films and has long been a vocal supporter of gay rights and AIDS research, is in failing health after being hospitalized in Los Angeles for more than a month.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/29/Actress_Activist_Zelda_Rubinstein_in_Failing_Health/

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

Withers: Illinois Republican calls rival gay
By James Withers, contributing editor, 365Gay Blog
I really have no personal problem with Republicans. Sure the stupid sophistry of Sean Hannity, the hyperbolic hyperventilating of Glenn Beck, and the racist ramblings of a few teabaggers grate, but those fools are out numbered by the serious Republicans who have legitimate policy differences with their brethren and sistern on the other side of the aisle.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/123063-illinois-republican-calls-rival-gay/

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

Televised trial of Proposition 8 'possible'
Challenge to legislation banning gay marriage could be broadcast as part of a new initiative in the US.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/31/televised-trial-of-proposition-8-possible/

Theatre director Nicholas Hytner knighted
Openly gay director of the National Theatre receives knighthood in New Year's Honours.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/31/theatre-director-nicholas-hytner-knighted/

BBC News presenter Jane Hill comes out
Newsreader Jane Hill discusses cohabiting with her partner in the corporation's in-house magazine.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/31/bbc-news-presenter-jane-hill-comes-out/

The gay highs and lows of 2009
A look back at the best and worst moments for LGBT causes in 2009. While sports stars came out and politicians rushed to stand up for gay rights, the year was marred by the death of a much-loved pop star and a string of violent homophobic attacks.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/30/the-gay-highs-and-lows-of-2009/

New rights for trans people in Pakistan
The Pakistan Supreme Court has ordered the government to allow trans people the right to a distinct gender. The court said that trans people, known as hijras, should be able to get national identity cards showing their gender as hijras.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/30/new-rights-for-trans-people-in-pakistan/

First lesbian US marshall confirmed
The first openly gay US marshall has been confirmed. Minneapolis assistant police chief Sharon Lubinski was confirmed on Monday as the US marshal for the Minnesota district.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/30/first-lesbian-us-marshall-confirmed/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

N.J. gay couples looking for a civil union 'dissolution' find it's harder than 'divorce'
By Mary Fuchs/Statehouse Bureau
For same-sex couples unhappy in their civil unions, breaking up is hard to do. For starters, ending a civil union is called "dissolution," not "divorce," and legal experts say the difference between those two words has created confusion over which laws and cases apply to civil unions.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/nj_gay_couples_looking_for_a_c.html/

Gay Indiana Professor Don Belton Stabbed to Death in Own Home
Gay Indiana University professor and author Don Belton was stabbed to death in his home by Michael Griffin, a decorated Marine who claims Belton sexually assaulted and raped him in front of his girlfriend while they were intoxicated. Belton was reportedly stabbed by Griffin two days later when the Marine went to confront the professor. Police are searching for the girlfriend, who apparently left town. Belton is the author of Almost Midnight, a novel, and the anthology Speak My Name. The Chicago Tribune reports: Michael J. Griffin, 25, of Bloomington told police he visited Don Belton on Sunday to confront the 53-year-old assistant professor of English over two alleged assaults, the probable cause affidavit said. An argument and scuffle ensued. Griffin told police he stabbed Belton with a 10-inch military style knife after Belton failed to "show or express any type of feeling that what had taken place was a mistake," the affidavit said.
http://www.towleroad.com/2009/12/gay-indiana-professor-ron-belton-stabbed-to-death-in-own-home.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29/

And What Fraction of These Cousin-Marrying States Allow Gay Marriage?
THE SHOT — Infographics are most effective when they point out what's often readily understood but hard to visualize. Like this one from the New York Times, which puts America's ignorant relationship with marriage rights in a blazing hot spotlight.
http://www.queerty.com/and-what-fraction-of-these-cousin-marrying-states-allow-gay-marriage-20091229/

Scouts reject lesbian leaders
By SUSAN ALLEN
Cate Wirth said Tuesday she was "taken aback" recently when she and her longtime civil union partner, Elizabeth Wirth, were turned down as Cub Scout leaders because of their sexual orientation. "I was speechless," Wirth said, recounting the meeting where the district director was asking for parent volunteers, but told the gay couple they could not be leaders because "we wouldn't want you pushing your lifestyle on the boys."
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20091230/NEWS04/912300391/1004/NEWS03/

Names sought for lesbian albatrosses' chick
Posted in: New Zealand Daily News
Tourism Dunedin is asking for names suitable for a chick being hatched by a pair of lesbian royal albatrosses nesting on Otago Peninsula.
http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_8352.php/

Oregon High School with Ugandan sister school plans protest against Uganda's gay genocide bill
by: Lurleen
Uganda's proposed gay genocide law isn't just an abstract concern for students at Beaverton, Oregon's Southridge High School. Southridge has a sister school in Kalisizo, Uganda, and students and faculty from both have an ongoing and active relationship.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14653/oregon-high-school-with-ugandan-sister-school-plans-protest-against-ugandas-gay-genocide-bill/

Attacks against Kevin Jennings becoming sad parodies
by: Alvin McEwen
Though the noise has faded a bit, members of the right are still attacking Obama appointee Kevin Jennings. I've been pretty much ignoring the new attacks because they have gotten stupid.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14660/attacks-against-kevin-jennings-becoming-sad-parodies/

Youth Gender Identity, Race and Class in the New York Times and In the New Year
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
The New York Times published an interview on Monday with Vidari DeGuzman, a youth worker at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a service organization for LGBT youth in New York City. Although relatively short, I found the interview revealing about issues of race and class that often get obscured in discussions of gender identity. Is "gender identity" a singular experience that every person has, or is it a series of individual experiences differentiated by race and class and other factors? Is there such a thing as "men's experiences" and "women's experiences" that transcend time and space that we can generalize about? Or is that just a convenient story that we invent?
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/youth_gender_identity_race_and_class_in_the_new_yo.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

Rosie O'Donnell is off the market!
Filed by: Bil Browning
Because the romantic life of celebrities is what we peons live for... The comedian and former TV talk show host -- who in mid-November revealed that her longtime partner Kelli Carpenter moved out of their home two years ago -- is now dating Tracy Kachtick-Anders, a Texas-based artist, O'Donnell's rep confirms to PEOPLE. The pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand in Miami Beach on Tuesday.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/rosie_odonnell_is_off_the_market.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

There's more than 10 in one paragraph
Filed by: Bil Browning
"Get all pro-homosexual and pro-promiscuity programs, literature, teachers, and counselors out of every school now. Remove "gay" clubs, Planned Parenthood at health fairs, and GLSEN- PFLAG- SIECUS activists. Cease all condom demonstrations, abortion referrals, on-site birth control dispensing, sexual orientation affirmation, and messing with children's hearts, minds and bodies. Demand that schools uphold the traditional value of heterosexual identities, teach abstinence-until-marriage, and celebrate male/female gender differences." -- Linda Harvey, spokeswoman for Renew America, in an article called, "Ten Ways to Make Kids Truly Safe in 2010" Notice that teaching math was not mentioned.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/theres_more_than_10_in_one_paragraph.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

"Ex-Gay" Lesbian Lisa Miller Still In Hiding With Her Daughter
posted by Joe
Lisa Miller has until tomorrow to hand her daughter Isabella over to her ex-partner Janet Jenkins and nobody is saying where they are hiding, especially not the anti-gay Liberty Counsel, Miller's attorneys, who appear to be complicit in Isabella's kidnapping.
"She does not know where her daughter is and she is trying to find her," Sarah Star, an attorney representing Jenkins, told ABCNews.com. Star says Jenkins last saw her daughter in January 2009 and spoke with her in March 2009. In his custody ruling, Vermont Family Court Judge William Cohen said nobody has "seen or heard from" Miller and Isabella since Nov. 20. The judge ordered custody to be switched from Miller to Jenkins after Miller repeatedly failed to allow visitation for her former partner. An assistant to the lawyers representing Miller, Mathew Staver and Stephen Crampton, told ABCNews.com that the lawyers were "on vacation and unavailable for comment on the matter." A Facebook page seemingly set up by Miller appears to show the last posting from the mother being on Dec. 4.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/ex-gay-lesbian-lisa-miller-still-in.html/

Upstate NY Senator Wants To Split State
posted by Joe
Sen. Joseph Robach (R-Rochester) thinks it's time to resurrect the old plan to split New York into two states. Forget the fact that New York State’s boundaries have been largely unchanged since the Constitution was ratified. That only two states have been admitted to the Union by splitting off from other states (Maine from Massachusetts in 1820, and West Virginia from Virginia in 1863). And that if the United States were to add a 51st state, the likeliest candidate would be Puerto Rico, or even the District of Columbia — not New York. State Senator Joseph E. Robach, a Republican who represents part of Rochester, has proposed legislation that would allow each of New York State’s 62 counties to hold a referendum in 2010 to ask voters this question: “Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?” The referendum – if it is even legal – would be nonbinding.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/upstate-ny-senator-wants-to-split-state.html/

Karl Rove destroys his marriage
By taffet@dallasvoice.com
The architect of George Bush’s march to the White House and the man who engineered anti-gay marriage amendments in the name of “saving” marriage has gotten divorced. Again. Yes. His second. In the announcement, his spokesperson asked for privacy. Really?
http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2009/12/30/karl-rove-destroys-his-marriage/

Teens take on hot topics, from gay marriage to marijuana
Submitted by NewsSystem
Nearly 1,000 students from 50 high schools throughout Southern Nevada participated in the 53rd annual Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 24. The students were divided into groups to discuss a variety of topics. A spokesperson was chosen from each group to write a column about the students’ findings. SeHoon Park of Clark High School writes about issues covered in the discussion group Home in Nevada.
http://www.tips-q.com/news/msm/1751279-teens-take-hot-topics-gay-marriage-marijuana/

Don Belton Murdered
by: Lev Raphael
The well-known black gay author and anthologist Don Belton was murdered in his own home by a man half his age claiming that Belton sexually assaulted him twice and showed no remorse. Belton's journal, found by the police, has an entry where he says he's happy that this man (the murderer) has entered his life. From the face of it, it sounds like someone deeply closeted whose internalized homophobia turned into shame and rage and violence. The initial story is here:
Lev Raphael :: Don Belton Murdered
I'm not just freaked out because he was a gay writer, but because I knew him back in the 90s when we were both featured in the Dutton anthology Wrestling with the Angel, a great book about gay men and faith. Don and I were sent by Dutton to Chicago and Minneapolis, and though many of the details of our tour together escape me now (I've since done hundreds of readings and talks), I remember being blown away by how funny, smart, literate and cool he was. We stayed connected for a while, but he moved around a lot and we eventually lost touch--and today I woke up to find him horribly in the news.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14642/don-belton-murdered/

Janet Jenkins/Lisa Miller custody case still not resolved despite judge's orders
by: Alvin McEwen
The custody case between Janet Jenkins and Lisa Miller has taken an ugly turn. From Religious Right Watch: We've written a few posts in the past about the custody battle being waged between Lisa Miller and Janet Jenkins, a Vermont couple who had a daughter together in 2002 but eventually separated and soon became locked in a custody fight after Miller moved to Virginia, became a Christian active in Jerry Falwell's church, and sought sole custody of their daughter, Isabella, with the representation of the Falwell-founded Liberty Counsel.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14640/janet-jenkinslisa-miller-custody-case-still-not-resolved-despite-judges-orders/

Gays and lesbians left at the border in immigration reform bill
Filed by: Joe Mirabella
The LGBT community has been working for immigration reform for years. Our families are regularly split apart because we can not sponsor our foreign born loved ones for citizenship like married heterosexual couples can.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/gays_and_lesbians_left_at_the_border_in_immigrati.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

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The Pride Center @ Equality Park [GLCC]
http://www.glccsf.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Wilton Manors: Flea Market
First Saturday of Every Month Starting January 2, 2010 now at the New Campus 2040 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors
http://www.glccsf.org/

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Broward GLBT News
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41471819382
Go to the links for the following articles:

Wilton Manors: Join the Dolphin Democrats at the Stonewall Democrats Soiree and enjoy the art at Dennis Dean Galleries. The event is FREE!. Beer, wine, non alcoholic beverages, and refreshments will be provided FREE!
Stonewall Democrats Soiree
Host:Dolphin Democrats
Type:Party - Cocktail Party
Network:Global
Date:Saturday, January 16, 2010
Time:7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:Dennis Dean Galleries
Street:2440 B Wilton Drive 2nd Floor
City/Town:Wilton Manors, FL
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198895162807&index=1/

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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 29, 2009

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


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

Entry Level: Helping Youths Who Struggle With Identity
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
Vidari DeGuzman was a New York City teenager searching for acceptance when he first came to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a service organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youths. Now 24 and with reassignment surgery behind him, he is a youth worker at the institute, located in the East Village.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/nyregion/29entry.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=cse/

Gay Marriage in Argentina Is First in Latin America
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- They had to travel to the ends of the Earth to do it, but two Argentine men succeeded in becoming Latin America's first same-sex married couple.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/29/world/AP-LT-Argentina-Gay-Marriage.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/

Malawi Police Arrest Couple After Gay Wedding
By REUTERS
LILONGWE (Reuters) - Two Malawian men were arrested and charged with public indecency, police said on Tuesday, after becoming the first gay couple to marry in the conservative southern African state where homosexuality is illegal. Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza publicly wed in a symbolic, traditional ceremony on Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/29/world/international-uk-malawi-arrest.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

MINNESOTA: First openly gay marshal confirmed
Associated Press
Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Sharon Lubinski has become the first openly gay U.S. marshal. The Senate confirmed the Green Bay, Wis., native to be the U.S. marshal for the Minnesota district. Last week's confirmation also makes her the first female marshal in the state. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D), who recommended Lubinski to President Obama, said on Monday that Lubinski's breadth of experience makes her highly qualified. Lubinski has served a number of roles with the Minneapolis police. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/28/AR2009122802467_3.html/

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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Some Whole Foods Folks Hope for GOP Nourishment
After an Ivy League education, countless vegan dinners, and a seemingly equal number of wasted GOP votes in Massachusetts and New York, I've managed to devise a distilled GOP platform I am confident can succeed: Taxes & Terrorism. The young urban professional shopping alongside me at a Manhattan Whole Foods is as afraid of the "Two T's" as I am but cannot bear to vote for the party that makes issues such as abortion and gay rights as visible as issues such as our economy, our paychecks and our national security. A narrower GOP message would provide some much-needed cover for members of this important, growing constituency at their next sustainably grown wine-and-cheese event.
J.J. Weinstein
New York
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704541004574600104124680822.html/

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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

HATE CRIME: Task force targets Broward hate crimes
After a series of hate crimes in Broward County last year, a task force was established to investigate and prevent them. More than a year later, challenges remain.
BY JOEL MARINO
The shooting death of a cross-dressing teenager in Fort Lauderdale; black swastikas spray-painted on a Parkland synagogue; anti-gay graffiti on Wilton Manors homes.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/1401344.html/

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

Top 5 Foot-in-Mouth Moments of the Year
By Advocate.com Editors
Thankfully, nary a year goes by without someone saying something utterly stupid and hilarious. The last year of the aughts was no exception, with a plethora of gay-related gaffes escaping from various pie-holes. The top five:
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/29/Top_5_Foot_in_Mouth_Moments_of_the_Year/

D.C. Gay Man Shot Dead
By Advocate.com Editors
Police in Washington, D.C., are investigating the murder of 29-year-old gay man Anthony J. Perkins, who they say was found shot to death inside his car early Sunday, DC Agenda reports. The car was parked near Bolling Air Force Base in Southeast Washington.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/DC_Gay_Man_Shot_Dead/

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

Anti-gay MP Iris Robinson stands down due to mental illness
Iris Robinson, the Northern Ireland MP who called gays an "abomination" and mentally ill, has announced she is standing down from politics due to depression.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/29/anti-gay-mp-iris-robinson-stands-down-due-to-mental-illness/

Westlife's Mark Feehily credits Stephen Gately for helping him come out
Westlife singer Mark Feehily has paid tribute to Stephen Gately for helping him find the courage to come out. Gately, who died in October, came out in 1999 during his time with Boyzone. He was the first boyband member to announce he was gay.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/29/weslifes-mark-feehily-credits-stephen-gately-for-helping-him-come-out/

Former club drug addict relaunches support website
A man who recovered from addiction to club drug GBL has relaunched his support website for other addicts. Jay Evans has put knowghb.org.uk back online educate and assist those in the UK affected by GHB and GBL.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/29/former-club-drug-addict-relaunches-support-website/

HIV experts call for declassification of transgenderism as mental illness
An international meeting of experts on HIV has called for transgenderism to be reclassified as a medical condition, rather than a mental illness.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/29/hiv-experts-call-for-declassification-of-transgenderism-as-mental-illness/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

D.C. gay man found shot to death in car
By Lou Chibbaro Jr.
D.C. police are asking the community for help in their investigation into the murder of a 29-year-old gay man who was found shot to death inside his car early Sunday morning in Southeast Washington near Bolling Air Force Base. Police said they found Anthony J. Perkins, whom they described as a “shooting victim,” seated inside of a car on the 2900 block of 4th St., S.E., about 5:15 a.m. Dec. 27. A police statement says the car had steam billowing from its engine when officers responded to reports of the sound of gunfire.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/29/d-c-gay-man-found-shot-to-death-in-car/

A proud way to start the new year
Monitor staff
About a year ago in this space we congratulated state Rep. Jim Splaine for his courage in sponsoring a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. His colleagues in the Legislature, we observed, might take time to come around to his point of view, but Splaine was on the right track. We encouraged him to persevere, even if the effort took years.
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091229/OPINION/912290330/

The Peter Vadala controversy was a major victory for lgbt community
by: Alvin McEwen
As we remember major lgbt stories in 2009 like Maine and Carrie Prejean, let's not forget the so-called minor stories. One in particular I would like to point out because it was a victory for the lgbt blogging community. Remember Peter Vadala?
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14632/the-peter-vadala-controversy-was-a-major-victory-for-lgbt-community/

Bizarre, Cultural Insensitivity Towards LGBT Community By A Self-Identified Progressive Publication
by: Autumn Sandeen
If a whole bunch of trans people tell you that your words are transphobic, they're right. ~Allyson Robinson
Rewriting Allyson Robinson's words to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community terminology issues: If a whole bunch of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people tell you that your words are culturally insensitive or offensive, they're right. ~Autumn Sandeen
On Monday, when accomplishing a Google news search for trans related terminology (as I often accomplish during the week), I ran across an article by the Atlanta Progressive News (APN) entitled Legislative Editor Fired over Sex Change, Seeks Reinstatement -- which has now been revised once after folk like me complained about the piece..
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14631/bizarre-cultural-insensitivity-towards-lgbt-community-by-a-selfidentified-progressive-publication/


Law professors' conference addresses needs of same-sex partners in a "defense of marriage" state
Filed by: Nancy Polikoff
Next week, the Association of American Law Schools will hold its annual meeting in New Orleans. This is the annual meeting of law professors from across the country. In acknowledgment of the needs of same-sex and unmarried partners in a state with a "defense of marriage" act, the AALS's executive director, Susan Westerberg Prager, today sent out the following message to all attendees. I am reprinting it in full here because I hope other associations with plans to hold meetings in states that refuse to recognize the needs of same-sex and unmarried different-sex partners will follow this fine example provided by the AALS.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/law_professors_conference_addresses_needs_of_same-.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

The Year of Gay
Filed by: Alex Blaze
"One catalyst was the Olympic Games in 2008, a landmark event that many in the LGBT community have interpreted as a "coming out" event. LGBT websites have allowed for communities to build, to advertise events, and to allow contact and information to be exchanged between LGBT members from big cities and small towns in China with those from around the world. As one of the organizers of China's first gay pride events and editor for shanghaiist.com, Kenneth Tan, puts it: "Gay people, young and old, are now coming out en masse. These people are all what I call 'first generation queers'." --China Daily, in naming 2009 "The Year of Gay"
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/the_year_of_gay.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

Best Video Of 2009: Big Fat Gay Collab
By Joe.My.God
Lots of sites are posting their "Best of YouTube" recaps this week. We loved the parodies of NOM's Gathering Storm ad, we giggled at all the Single Ladies tributes, and we got all teary-eyed over the many inspiring clips of impromptu marriage rallies/protests. But for me, one clip stands out above all the rest. Still makes me laugh, still chokes me up. Best Clip Of 2009: The Big Fat Gay Collab's lip-sync of Lily Allen's Fuck You. The kids are alright.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-video-of-2009-big-fat-gay-collab.html/

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Arts United
http://www.artsunited.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Unique Perspectives
January Exhibit Features Ernesto Masis
ArtUnited presents "Perspectives" by artist Ernesto Masis at the George Hester Gallery of Stonewall Library & Archive from January 4-29, 2010. A native of Costa Rica, Masis' work often incorporates traditional elements of Hispanic Culture and explores the crossing lines of our modern living and spiritual quests. Masis was the recipient of the first place prize in painting in United and Proud 2008 and the first place prize in drawing in ArtExplosion 2009. A reception to meet the artists will be held January 4 from 6:30 to 8pm at the Stonewall Library, 1300 East Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale with food kindly provided by Sublime Restaurant. Both the exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public.
For more information contact keith@artsunitedonline.org

Comedian Kate Clinton opens new tour at AE10
ArtExplosion Performance half sold already!
ArtsUnited presents legendary gay comedian and political humorist, Kate Clinton, in her newest one-woman show "The Lady HaHa Tour" as part of ArtExplosion LGBT Arts Festival, February 20th at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 8pm. Tickets for the show are already half sold out as of today- there are only 20 tickets left in the front sections! Tickets are discounted to only $20/ $28 for ArtsUnited members. Members should call Keith at 954.551.5273 or email KeithClark@aol.com for the best seats left without any service fees. You may also purchase online at www.browardcenter.org and enter the password "ArtsUnited" to receive the member discount but service fees will apply.

ArtExplosion Celebrates 10!
Arts Festival has something for everyone
ArtExplosion celebrates 10 years this February 6-20, 2010, with two weeks of art, film, music, dance, theatre, literature, comedy and cabaret by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender artists and performers. This year's highlights include the legendary Kate Clinton, music sensation Matt Albers, an exhibit of the Harlem Renaissance, and a special pre-festival performance by Ballet Trocadero of Monte Carlo. The spotlight country is Brazil this year with LGBT artists & performers from Brazil and a special opening night event theme of "Carnival!" Call for Artists applications are available for the visual arts exhibit by contacting keith@artsunitedonline.org. Watch for updates to the ArtsUnited website, www.artsunitedonline.org, and in upcoming emails.

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HeartStrong
http://www.heartstrong.org/
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

A message from Marc Adams of HeartStrong
Dear HeartStrong Friends,
Please read this email from a 17 year old student at a religious school who recently attended a PFLAG meeting which sponsored a HeartStrong forum.
We've changed his name and removed any identifying information. Please read his story. We know this is a long email and we appreciate you taking the time to read it.
"Dear HeartStrong,
I really appreciate someone caring about me and what I am going through. As you know, it is a very difficult time in my life and I have had to make some decisions which I normally wouldn't make such as lying. You called it 'self preservation.' After talking with you I have convinced myself to let go of some of the guilt I've felt about that. My Christian school is very difficult because of my inner emotions conflicting with the religious attitudes. I simply feel different and feel a need to act different yet I almost always hide how I feel. I have been called gay at school many times before I realized that I would have to hold back my emotions in order to survive. Self preservation I guess. My school is like a factory - everyone must be the same and the other pieces are thrown away. Living with my parents has created the most difficult complications though. I have no one to talk to and no one to tell about my struggle. I continued to go to church because I figured that I could be accepted since all of the other kids are. But when I went to church I just felt worse.
[Contact Ray's List for the remainder of the letter.] Please consider supporting HeartStrong -
Donations: http://www.heartstrong.org/ - Email: marcadams@heartstrong.org

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#####

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 28, 2009

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


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

Gay Candidates Get Support That Causes May Not
By JAMES C. McKINLEY Jr.
When an openly gay woman won the mayor’s race here this month, it was the latest in a string of victories by gay candidates across the country, a trend that seems to contradict the bans on same-sex marriage that have been passed in most states in recent years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/us/28candidates.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

Gays, lesbians should be able to serve openly in the military
SLOWLY BUT SURELY, the groundwork continues to be laid for the overdue demise of "don't ask, don't tell." The latest move came on Dec. 22 when Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and 95 House colleagues sent a letter to the Pentagon requesting statistics on troops discharged for violating the wrong-headed ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. They want everyone to see the effects of the policy on the military and the national defense. This has the added benefit of reminding Americans of the law's absurdity.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/27/AR2009122701653.html/

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

Gallery | Gay Night in Downtown at Chez Mia
Here are pictures I took at the Lady Gaga concert tickets giveaway Sunday night at Countdown 2010 Chez Mia. Performing: Wild Child DJ Lazaro Leon & DJ George Ferrero - Hosted by celebrity Marytrini y Las Divas
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gallery-gay-night-in-downtown-at-chez-mia.html/

Democrat eyeing Kennedy seat avoids family legacy; remains supportive of DOMA repeal
By STEVE LeBLANC, Associated Press
BOSTON -- Attorney General Martha Coakley may be the front-runner in the race to fill the late Edward Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat, but she is crafting a campaign largely free of the Kennedy mystique. Although she shares Kennedy's position on key issues and is appealing to the same liberal Democratic voters who returned him to office during his 47 years in the Senate, Coakley is helping usher in a post-Kennedy Massachusetts - a state whose politics have been inextricably linked to the family for generations.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/democrat-eyeing-kennedy-seat-avoids-family-legacy-remains-supportive-of-doma-repeal.html/


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Fla. gov hopeful McCollum: It's not about Crist
By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
It's not hard to find policy areas where Republicans Bill McCollum and Gov. Charlie Crist have differences. Gambling, restoring ex-felons civil rights, abortion, the federal stimulus, energy and others. Attorney General McCollum is considered a conservative policy wonk and Crist is a populist who prefers to think in general terms while leaving the details to staff.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/v-print/story/1400412.html/

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

Suspect Released Over Murder of Gay Ohioan
By Michelle Garcia
The suspect linked to the murder of a 23-year-old gay man from Findlay, Ohio was released on bond after a hearing in the Toledo Municipal Court. Norman Corggens, 20, was arrested but not charged for the deadly attack on Marland Woods, who died after being assaulted at Caesar's Showbar, a Toledo-area gay establishment. Woods, 33, was beaten after a large barfight spilled out of the bar and into the street, according to The Courier newspaper. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital December 13 from severe head injuries.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/28/Suspect_Released_Over_Murder_of_Gay_Ohioan/

Race to Overturn Iowa Gay Marriage Begins
By Advocate.com Editors
Opponents of same-sex marriage in Iowa say they plan to push hard in the 2010 legislative session for a vote on a constitutional amendment that would limit marriage to one man and one woman.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/27/Race_to_Overturn_Iowa_Gay_Marriage_Begins/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

I've changed my mind about attitudes to gay marriage
I had to revise my views about the hope for same-sex marriage when two north American cities legalised it in the same week
By Melissa McEwan
When I sat down to think about what has pleasantly surprised me, or disappointed me, over the last decade, it was on the day that the Mexico City assembly voted to legalise same-sex marriage, declaring its new definition of marriage to be "the free uniting of two people". This, mere days after Washington DC mayor Adrian Fenty signed the district's marriage equality bill. Two north American capital cities legalising same-sex marriage within a week of one another – and Ottawa didn't get in on the action only because there's no need – is something I don't believe I imagined would be possible at the start of this decade.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/28/goodbye-noughties-ive-changed-my-mind-about-attitudes-to-gay-marriage/

Mexico City legalizes same-sex marriage, adoption
by Rex Wockner
Mexico City’s Legislative Assembly voted 39-20 to legalize same-sex marriage Dec. 21. Mayor Marcelo Ebrard supports the measure and will sign it.
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=100441/

Thousands of Spanish Catholics march against abortion and gay marriage
Tens of thousands of Spanish Catholics marched in Madrid against the socialist government's policies on abortion and gay marriage.
By Edward Owen in Madrid
At a huge rally in the capital, Cardinal Antonio Rouco, the leader of Spain's Roman Catholics, told protesters the birth rate in Europe will be depleted unless Christian values are maintained. Catholics attended a huge open air mass beside Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/6896330/Thousands-of-Spanish-Catholics-march-against-abortion-and-gay-marriage.html/

Church: Pro-Gay Marriage Mexican Politicians 'Dangerous'
By On Top Magazine Staff
The Catholic Church has lashed out at Mexico City lawmakers who approved a gay marriage bill widely expected to become law. City legislators led by the leftist Democratic Revolution Party (Partido de la Revolution Democratica, PRD) overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 39 to 20 vote that included five abstentions. Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard is expected to sign the bill into law. The bill only effects Mexico's capital, one of the world's largest cities with nearly 9 million residents.
http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5048&MediaType=1&Category=24/

Russian Orthodox Church Leader Patriarch Kirill on Gay Rights
Filed by: Bil Browning
"We respect the person's free choice, including in sex relations. The religious tradition of almost all nations has treated homosexuality as a sin. Those who commit a sin must not be punished... And we have repeatedly spoken out against discriminating people for their nontraditional sexual orientation."
-- Russian Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Kirill on gay rights during a formal meeting with the secretary general of the Council of Europe, a pan-European human rights body.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/russian_orthodox_church_leader_patriarch_kirill_on.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

Number Of Openly Gay Elected Officials Nearly Doubled In The Last Decade
By Joe.My.God
The New York Times says that instead of same-sex marriage, a better barometer of public opinion on homosexuality is the decade's avalanche of openly gay elected officials. Currently there are at least 445 gays and lesbians holding office, an increase of almost 200 in the last eight years. Some political scientists say the rise in openly gay candidates’ winning public office is a better barometer of societal attitudes than are the high-profile fights over same-sex marriage. “Gay marriage ballot measures are not the best measure,” said Patrick J. Egan, a political scientist at New York University who studies issues surrounding gay politicians. “They happen to be about the one issue the public is most uncomfortable with. In a sense, they don’t give us a real good picture of the opinion trend over the last 30 years.”
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/number-of-openly-gay-elected-officials.html/

CPAC Organizers: GOProud Can Attend But Cannot Speak About LGBT Rights
By Joe.My.God
Bowing to increasing pressure from the religious right, organizers of the 2010 CPAC say that while they will allow GOProud to attend and co-sponsor the event, they will not be given an opportunity to speak. Because gay rights are not open to debate.
CPAC director Lisa De Pasquale told Hot Air last week that she was “satisfied” that GOProud “do not represent a ‘radical leftist agenda’ and thus “should not be rejected as a CPAC cosponsor.” But David Keene, the head of CPAC’s main organizing group, tried to calm the potential boycott by using a different tactic. In an e-mail to a right-wing radio host, Keene promised that GOProud would not have a speaking spot and that gay rights issues would not be “open to debate” In his e-mail response, Keene admitted GOProud “has signed on as a CPAC co-sponsor, but will have no speakers and we told them that, in fact, since opposition to gay marriage, etc are consensus positions (if not unanimous) among conservatives, these topics are not open to debate.”
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/cpac-organizers-goproud-can-attend-but.html/

It’s an issue when Republican Presidents are Silent about natural disasters, but not one when a Democrat is silent about terrorist attacks** and popular uprisings* against anti-American tyrants
Posted by B. Daniel Blatt
Five years ago, there was much bellyaching in the media about how the callousness of the President of the United States for not making a public statement about the tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands, displaced an equal number (if not more) and causes untold damage to property and the landscape, even changing the coastline in some regions. When then-president Bush did not speak out, it was deemed a sign of his indifference, evidence that the recently reelected president was out of touch.
http://www.gaypatriot.net/2009/12/27/its-an-issue-when-republican-presidents-are-silent-about-natural-disasters-but-its-no-problem-if-a-democrat-is-silent-about-terrorism-and-popular-uprisings-against-anti-american-tyrants/

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#####

Sunday, December 27, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 26, 2009

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


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

Archbishop of York attacks Uganda's anti-gay bill
By RAPHAEL G. SATTER
LONDON -- A top Anglican cleric who was born in Uganda spoke out Thursday against a proposed law in his native country that would impose the death penalty on some gays.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/24/AR2009122400726.html/

Gay marriage foes deserve to be heard, even on Metrobuses
By Colbert I. King
"What is freedom of expression?" Salman Rushdie once asked. "Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist." Ride a Metrobus in this city, and you'll see an example of what Rushdie is talking about.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/25/AR2009122501285.html/

5 myths about a president's first year
By Chris Cillizza
It has been nearly a year since Barack Obama was (sort of) sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. So what can his first year in office tell us about the next three?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122201373.html/

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

Rome beckons Episcopalians away from liberals
By George F. Will
Late in life, the mother of the Rev. Thomas Reese, S.J., began attending mass at a Southern California church, the congregation of which soon became Spanish-speaking. Services were conducted entirely in that language, which she could not understand, yet she happily continued attending. When her son asked why, she replied: "It is just like the Latin Mass, I don't understand a word of it. It is even better, I don't understand the homily."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/commentary/fl-will-col-episcopal-church-1226-20091223,0,6366924.story/

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

Gallery | Gay-rights activists celebrate legalization of same-sex marriage in Mexico City
Gay rights activists Ruben Duran, 23, left, and Saul Aparicio, 27, kiss as they celebrate the legalization of same-sex marriage in front of Mexico City's local assembly, Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. Mexico's capital's lawmakers on Monday made the city the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, a change that will give gay couples more rights, including allowing them to adopt children.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gallery-gay-rights-activists-celebrate-legalization-of-same-sex-marriage-in-mexico-city.html/

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

Undiagnosed Heart Condition Killed Gately
By Advocate.com Editors
An undiagnosed heart condition claimed the life of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, a forensic report revealed on Thursday. Gately, who died in October, suffered from atheromatosis, a thickening of the arteries. A preliminary pathology report showd the star died from an acute pulmonary oedema, a build-up of fluid on the lungs caused by the atheromatosis.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/25/Undiagnosed_Heart_Condition_Killed_Boyzones_Stephen_Gately/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/

Go to the links for the following articles:

Privilege In A Soup Kitchen
By Justine Valinotti
Most of the day was briskly cold, as the past couple of days have been. However, toward sunset, the air started to feel damp in spite of the clear sky. It probably had to do with the melting snow. Interestingly, the snow seems to be melting even more quickly now: I think it's warmer at I write this, late at night, than it was earlier in the evening.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14618/privilege-in-a-soup-kitchen/

CPAC takes GOProud's sponsorship, but says it cannot speak there
by: Pam Spaulding
Wow, this is a spit in the face. GOProud recently announced its co-sponsorship of the next Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), setting off alarm bells of the anti-gay right. In fact, when the wheezing about a fundie boycott occurred, CPAC director Lisa De Pasquale defended GOProud, stating that those in the gay org "do not represent a 'radical leftist agenda' and "should not be rejected as a CPAC cosponsor."'' Anyway, the latest word is that after ponying up to sponsor, conference organizer David Keene rolled that support back, taking the money but not allowing GOProud an opportunity to speak. Why? Because equality issues aren't up for discussion.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14612/cpac-takes-goprouds-sponsorship-but-says-it-cannot-speak-there/

Max Clifford on staying in the closet
Filed by: Alex Blaze
"Do I think that's right? Of course not. It's a very sad state of affairs. But it's a fact that homophobia in football is as strong now as it was 10 years ago. If you'd asked me in 2000 whether I thought we'd have a famous, openly gay footballer by 2010 I would have said yes. "You look across society and see openly gay people in music, movies, television, politics, the clergy, and it's not a problem, nor in many sports. It's not that footballers are homophobic but the fans can be vicious."
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/max_clifford_on_staying_in_the_closet.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

Dr. Maxwell Anderson's message to his friends
Filed by: Alex Blaze
Monica Helms sent in this video from Maxwell Anderson, a transgender psychologist in Georgia in Atlanta whom you might know from the documentary "Southern Comfort." He is in the hospital for an inoperable brain tumor. Maxwell sends a message to his friends in this video, and Monica asked that it be posted on TBP since there are people here who might be reached with his message who wouldn't otherwise see it. I didn't know Dr. Anderson, but watching this video makes me wish I had.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/dr_maxwell_andersons_message_to_his_friends.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

An Ancient Contemporary Mexican Christmas Eve
Filed by: Guest Blogger
Editor's Note: Jim Toevs was a member of the founding Board of Directors, and is a past President of The Pride Foundation of Seattle. In 1990, he co-founded the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, (IGLHRC) with Roman Kalinin and Julie Dorf. In 1992, Jim was the Democratic nominee for Congress against then-closeted Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe, garnering 77,000 votes- which at that time was the most votes ever received by a gay non-incumbent gay person running for Congress. He resides in Hot Springs, Montana and Alamos, Sonora, Mexico. Seven years ago, my young Mexican friend, Trini, and I were returning to Alamos from Tucson just before Christmas. We crossed at Nogales about 7 PM, thinking we would get a room in Santa Ana. There was literally no room at the Inn anywhere. Several hours later we were finally able to get a room by driving to San Carlos, several miles off of the freeway near Guaymas. The experience of that night, searching for a room, and seeing the thousands of Mexicans returning home for Christmas, inspired the following piece. Wishing you and yours a Blessed, Joyful, and Peaceful Holiday Season!
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/an_ancient_contemporary_mexican_christmas_eve.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

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Friday, December 25, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 24, 2009

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


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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Rome's call: 'Come on over'
By George F. Will
Late in life, the mother of the Rev. Thomas Reese, S.J., began attending mass at a Southern California church, the congregation of which soon became Spanish-speaking. Services were conducted entirely in that language, which she could not understand, yet she happily continued attending. When her son asked why, she replied: "It is just like the Latin Mass, I don't understand a word of it. It is even better, I don't understand the homily." We have all listened to a speaker and wished: If only he were incomprehensible. As G.K. Chesterton said of Times Square, it would be beautiful if you could not read.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122302396.html/

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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
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In Love and War
Husbands and wives can now serve together in the Army. How three couples try to juggle marriage and mission in Afghanistan.
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Maybe the couple that fights together stays together. The 293rd Military Police Company is a rarity in American love and American war. Among the 150 soldiers deployed to this restive Afghan city are three married couples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240504574585850597672412.html/

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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
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Video | Mexico City lawmakers approve gay marriage bill
Associated Press video: Lawmakers in Mexico City have approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The Mayor is expected to sign it, however, Mexican President Felipe Calderon has said he will challenge the bill in the courts.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-mexico-city-lawmakers-approve-gay-marriage-bill.html/

Jesse's Journal: Gay bookstores, a dying breed
BY JESSE MONTEAGUDO
Like many lesbians, gay men, bisexuals or transgender people, I came out of the closet with the help of gay books and gay bookstores. Though we didn’t have a gay bookstore in Miami when I came out in the early 1970s, I took advantage of the mail order services provided by the newly-established bookshops. My first visit to the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in Greenwich Village (1977) was like a religious pilgrimage; an experience that I repeated two years later when I first visited Lambda Rising Bookstore in DuPont Circle in Washington, DC. Both Oscar Wilde and Lambda Rising were part of a chain of independent bookshops that dotted the gay ghettoes of North America: Glad Day in Boston and Toronto, Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia, Outwrite in Atlanta, A Different Light in West Hollywood and San Francisco, Little Sister’s in Vancouver and, of course, Lambda Passages in Miami.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/jesses-journal-gay-bookstores-a-dying-breed.html/

Russian Orthodox Church embraces gays
Associated Press
MOSCOW -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church says that, although the church views homosexuality as a sin, homosexuality is a personal choice. Patriarch Kirill says gays and lesbians must not be persecuted or discriminated against in any way, though the church still opposes same-sex marriages.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/russian-orthodox-church-embraces-gays.html/

Gender, sports issues to be explored at Florida International University conference
By LUISA YANEZ, lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
A female athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, but later a sexual verification test detects she has the testosterone levels of a man. What action does the International Olympic Committee take?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gender-sports-issues-to-be-explored-at-florida-international-university-conference.html/

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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
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Rabbi: `This place really embraces change'
A young female rabbi is making her mark at one of South Florida's largest synagogues.
BY TANIA VALDEMORO
Miami Herald reporter Tania Valdemoro sat down this week with Rabbi Rachel Greengrass, the newest rabbi at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest. Greengrass, 29, is originally from Fort Wayne, Ind. She was ordained as a rabbi on May 4, 2008, at Hebrew Union College in New York City, where she earned master's degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/pinecrest/story/1395544.html/

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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
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George Bush's PBS Show
By Michelle Garcia
The George W. Bush Institute will coproduce a show on public television, hosted by its executive director, Ambassador James Glassman, according to The Huffington Post.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/George_Bushs_PBS_Show/

Georgia Newspaper Goes After 'Keith' Jennings
By Neal Broverman
The Augusta [Ga.] Chronicle published an editorial Monday claiming the U.S. Department of Education's gay assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools encouraged underage sex and molestation — all while calling him by the wrong name. The newspaper said that Kevin Jennings — whom it referred to as Keith — promoted underage sex with books recommended by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, a group that Jennings founded and headed. GLSEN, which works to stop school bullying of gay students, does recommend books, and some did have passages of a sexual nature, but all of GLSEN's recommended reading materials come with warnings for parents or guardians. It's also not clear if Jennings himself vetted the individual books.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Georgia_Newspaper_Goes_After_Keith_Jennings/

Uganda Media Reports on Gay 'Death' Bill
By Neal Broverman
Local reports from Uganda have surfaced on the nation's proposed antihomosexuality bill, which, if passed, could impose the death penalty or a life sentence on those convicted of engaging in gay sex.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Uganda_Media_Reports_on_Gay_Death_Bill/

Which State is the Most Religious?
By Neal Broverman
Religion has not loosened its grip on the South — a new poll finds that the most religious states remain those below the Mason-Dixon Line, with Mississippi leading the pack. A Pew Forum study asked respondents whether religion is important in their lives, and 82% percent of Mississipians said yes. Following Mississippi were Alabama and Arkansas (both at 74%), Louisiana (72%), Tennessee (71%), and South Carolina (70%). The New England states of Vermont and New Hampshire (each at 36%) were the least religious; both states allow same-sex marriage.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Which_State_is_the_Most_Religious_/

Economy Crushes Homophobia in Sports Project
By Michelle Garcia
The director of an initiative to fight homophobia in women's sports has seen her position eliminated because of economic troubles. Pat Griffin, the project director of It Takes a Team, announced on her blog on Tuesday that she would leave her post at the end of her contract in January.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Economy_Crushes_Homophobia_in_Sports_Project/

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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
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PR advisor Max Clifford repeats warnings over 'vicious' homophobic football fans
PR guru Max Clifford has reiterated his advice to gay footballers to stay in the closet, saying the sport is "steeped in homophobia". He made his comments just after Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas came out but said he could not imagine a premiership footballer doing the same.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/pr-advisor-max-clifford-repeats-warnings-over-vicious-homophobic-football-fans/

Club drug ban comes into force today
From today, 'legal highs' such as GBL, BZP and Spice will become Class C drugs. GBL (gamma-butaryl lactone), which is said to be popular on the gay club scene, is a liquid used in paint stripper and nail varnish remover.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/club-drug-ban-comes-into-force-today/

Katy Perry in trouble over 'transphobic' tweet
Katy Perry has been accused of transphobia after using Twitter to mock a photo of trans man. The singer, who found fame with her faux-lesbian hit I Kissed A Girl, posted a photo of a naked man with a beard, hairy chest and breasts.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/katy-perry-in-trouble-over-transphobic-tweet/

Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-condemns-discrimination-against-gays/

Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/lithuanian-parliament-revises-gay-ban-law/

Archbishop of York speaks out on Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill
Archbishop of York John Sentamu, who was born in Uganda, has condemned the country's plans to introduce the death penalty of life imprisonment for gays. Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme this morning, he criticised the "victimising" language in the bill and said the communion was "committed" to listening to the experiences of gay people.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/archbishop-of-york-speaks-out-on-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-bill/

God Hates Fags church hates Lady Gaga
Westboro Baptist Church has announced it will picket a January gig by gay-friendly singer Lady Gaga. The church, best known for its slogan of God Hates Fags, said in a press release it would protest outside a St Louis concert on January 7th.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/god-hates-fags-church-hates-lady-gaga/

Ethics minister says Uganda's death penalty for gays will be ditched
The Ugandan minister for ethics and integrity has suggested that the country will ditch its plans to execute gays in favour of life imprisonment. James Nsaba Buturo said this would allow authorities to rehabilitate gays.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/ethics-minister-says-ugandas-death-penalty-for-gays-will-be-ditched/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
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How does your ‘Garden’ grow?
by Joey DiGuglielmo
A local gay arts group and its recreation of Edith Beale’s 1978 cabaret act is becoming the show that won’t die. After two performances in Washington last year and another planned for this weekend, “After the Garden” is going to New York next week for a trial run. “After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney” is a tribute to the late Beale (”Little Edie,” who was immortalized with her mother in the freak show 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens”). A year after her mother (”Big Edie,” aunt of Jackie O) died, Little Edie performed a one-week engagement to raise enough money to pay back taxes on the rundown family home. Theater vet Gerald Duval was summoned to help Beale create her act, which has gone down in history as one of those pop culture curiosities, like the “Star Wars Holiday Special,” whose cult status has far outlived its initial appeal.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/how-does-your-garden-grow/

Favorite Christmas Specials, Anyone?
by: Louise
Mine. Right Here. I utter love that TNT runs this for a solid 24 hours on Christmas Day and know every word by heart...
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14581/favorite-christmas-specials-anyone/

2009 STORIES OF THE YEAR: NO. 3 Iowa first in Midwest to grant gay marriage rights
By Bret Hayworth - bhayworth@siouxcityjournal.com
Iowa ushered in same-sex marriage in April, becoming the only Heartland state to grant gay and lesbian couples the legal right to wed.
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/article_d1634c5e-bceb-5217-a015-ea5acbc91eee.html/

Supreme Court increases suspension for homophobic Murcia judge up to 10 years
By m.p
Judge Calamita was originally suspended for 2 years for maliciously delaying a lesbian adoption. The Murcia judge who was suspended by the Murcia High Court for maliciously delaying the adoption by a lesbian woman of her partner’s child has had his appeal against the court’s turned down by Spain’s highest court.
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24455.shtml/

Timetables: Trains, Gender, Empathy
Filed by: Paige Schilt
Last Christmas, we decided to splurge and spend a few nights at a fancy beach resort. From the moment the clerk ushered us into the "VIP check-in room," I knew we were in for an adventure. Our five-year-old, Waylon, plunged head first into a butter-colored club chair. "Honey, please keep your shoes off the furniture," I said, feeling my class insecurities creep up like a slow and annoying blush. "But, Mama, I'm a seal," he informed me, resting his front flippers on the marble floor. I scanned the clerk's face, hoping for the knowing look that tells you you're in the presence of Family. Nary a blip on the old gaydar. His eyes were resolutely glued to his computer screen.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/timetables_trains_gender_empathy.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

Just say no to the Salvation Army's red bucket
Filed by: Alex Blaze
It's that time of year again. Actually, it probably started a while ago for those of you in the US, but it's good to remember each year why lots of LGBT folks don't donate to the Red Bucket. From Lisa Neff: But I do not. I do not ring the bell for the Salvation Army. I do not donate to the Salvation Army, because the Salvation Army discriminates against gays and lesbians in employment, works to defeat civil rights measures that protect gays and lesbians and promotes position that gay relationships "do not conform to God's will for society."
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/just_say_no_to_the_salvation_armys_red_bucket.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/

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The Pride Center @ Equality Park
http://www.glccsf.org/
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Transitions

The GLCC/Pride Center - Wilton Manors, FL - has moved out of our old Andrews Avenue location to our new location on Dixie Highway. Our board, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly for the last couple of weeks to make this all happen. Please click here to view pictures of the move
http://www.glccsf.org/

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - December 23, 2009

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


New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
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Russian Church: Homosexuality Is Personal Choice
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOSCOW (AP) -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church said Wednesday that although the church views homosexuality as a sin, gays should not face discrimination.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/23/world/AP-EU-Russia-Gay-Rights.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/

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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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Color of change
By Howard Kurtz
When was the last time you thought of Barack Obama as a black president? The historic nature of his victory, of course, rested on his breaking the two-century streak of 43 white guys. But as was much observed at the time, Obama never ran as an African American candidate. With the exception of the race speech he gave in Philadelphia at the height of the Jeremiah Wright furor, he largely resisted the urge to cast his candidacy in racial terms. He didn't have to.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122300954_pf.html/

Little Edie lives again in Ganymede's 'After the Garden,' with Jeffrey Johnson
By Jane Horwitz
It's been a struggle for small nonprofit theater companies since the economy flopped last year, and Ganymede Arts is no exception. Yet as 2009 nears its final curtain, Ganymede has something to celebrate. Artistic Director Jeffrey Johnson will be performing the solo piece "After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney" at Joe's Pub in New York on Dec. 29. He'll be the opening act for Sandra Bernhard.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203322.html/

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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

In Love and War
Husbands and wives can now serve together in the Army. How three couples try to juggle marriage and mission in Afghanistan.
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Maybe the couple that fights together stays together. The 293rd Military Police Company is a rarity in American love and American war. Among the 150 soldiers deployed to this restive Afghan city are three married couples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240504574585850597672412.html/

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

Gender, sports issues to be explored at Florida International University conference
By LUISA YANEZ, lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
A female athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, but later a sexual verification test detects she has the testosterone levels of a man. What action does the International Olympic Committee take?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gender-sports-issues-to-be-explored-at-florida-international-university-conference.html/

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

White House Christmas Tree Goes All Gay
By Advocate.com Editors
HEDDALETTUCE.COM
A gay man has decorated the White House’s Blue Room Christmas tree with communists and a “legendary transvestite” named Hedda Lettuce, according to the conservative blog Big Government.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/White_House_Tree_Goes_All_Gay/

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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/

Go to this link for the following articles:

Withers: DADT gets attention from some in Congress
By James Withers
With hints from Speaker Nancy Pelosi that next year the House is not going to go after any controversial issues until the White House or Senate step up, it was nice to see at least two representatives chipping away at Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), a member of the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee, and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), lead sponsor of the bill to repeal DADT, authored a letter to the Defense Department that was signed by 96 of their peers. They are looking for up-to-date information on the military members discharged under DADT while President Obama has been commander-in-chief.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/122309-dadt-gets-attention-from-some-in-congress/

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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
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Boy George barred from appearing on Big Brother
Singer Boy George will not be appearing on Celebrity Big Brother after a High Court judge dismissed his appeal. The star, real name George O'Dowd, was barred from going on the show when the Probation Service said his appearance would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/boy-george-barred-from-appearing-on-big-brother/

Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-condemns-discrimination-against-gays/

Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/lithuanian-parliament-revises-gay-ban-law/

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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Christmas was meant for children
by Patrick Folliard
I once read in a Bette Davis bio that as a kid in New England the highlight of her childhood Christmases was finding the theater tickets that Santa Claus had left her under the tree. Take a note from Bette’s book, and try giving the little ones in your life the gift of theater this holiday season. Who knows — maybe your present will be the nudge that sends a little thespian-in-the-making on the path to a brilliant career of his or her own?
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/christmas-was-meant-for-children/

Gay short film has Oscar potential
By David Hoffman
Film buffs drawn to the Jewish Community Center’s annual film festival earlier this month stumbled onto a surprise gem of a major motion picture in the making, in the guise of being just one of five “Queer Shorts” offered by the JCC’s program for Gay & Lesbian Outreach & Engagement (GLOE). Starring the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Sir Derek Jacobi, the 19-minute film “Sidney Turtlebaum” is now shaping up as a likely Academy Award nominee in the live action short film category, according to the film’s producer Daniel Jewel, who spoke to the audience after the recent D.C. screening.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/gay-short-film-has-oscar-potential/

Ringing in 2010
By Tyrone Ford
D.C. is gearing up for yet another New Year’s Eve packed full of events, parties and several after parties. There is no shortage of choices, whether you prefer low key or an all out two-day affair. The city’s bars, clubs and restaurants are working tirelessly to plan events that will make New Year’s Eve a memorable one. Below are a few options to consider.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/ringing-in-2010/

Gay marriage in our black church
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we took our places in front of the altar at Covenant Baptist Church, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091223/OPINION16/91222023/1004/OPINION/-Gay-marriage-in-our-black-church/

Teabagger has weepy breakdown over 'misdirected prayer'
by: Alvin McEwen
Every now and then, a situation takes that place that's so strange, it diverts my attention away from focusing on the religious right. During the mad battle over health care reform, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) recently gave a speech on the Senate floor hoping that a senator would not make the vote. He encouraged prayer on the matter: What the American people ought to pray is that somebody can’t make the vote tonight. That’s what they ought to pray.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14596/teabagger-has-weepy-breakdown-over-misdirected-prayer/

Moyers, Moore and Maddow top Alternet's 25 most influential progressive media figures
by: Pam Spaulding
This story caught my eye because Rachel Maddow, who certainly deserves to be at the top of the mountain, is 1) brilliant; 2) is "family" (woohoo), and 3) a relatively "new" media figure compared to the other veteran progressive media types making Alternet's list. It looks like the eds were surprised as well: It's no surprise that Moyers, the moral sage, and Moore, the rabble-rouser, are ranked at the top. They have been popular with AlterNet readers for years. Moyers' current show, "Bill Moyers' Journal," gets at the heart of our many social ills with long-form exploration and probing interviews. Recently, Moyers spent an episode on the Lyndon Johnson Vietnam tapes, drawing a connection to Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The show was a television masterpiece.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14595/moyers-moore-and-maddow-top-alternets-25-most-influential-progressive-media-figures/

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